Gilas Men 3×3 opens redemption campaign in SEA Games with tough group ahead

Gilas Pilipinas Men 3×3 returns to the Southeast Asian Games hardwood on Wednesday determined to reclaim a crown that slipped away nearly two years ago. 

With a revamped lineup and a renewed sense of urgency, the Philippines opens its redemption campaign in the 33rd SEA Games at the Nimibutr Stadium.

The quartet of Ange Kouame, Joseph Eriobu, Joseph Sedurifa, and Janrey Pasaol kicks off Group B action against Vietnam at 11:50 a.m. local time (12:50 p.m. Manila), followed by a meeting with Malaysia at 4:20 p.m. (5:20 p.m. Manila). Gilas wraps up its group assignments on Thursday against Laos at 11 a.m. (12 noon Manila).

The mission is clear: take back the gold the country surrendered to Cambodia in the 2023 edition hosted in Manila. That loss continues to fuel returning players Eriobu and Sedurifa, who were part of the silver-winning squad alongside Almond Vosotros and Lervin Flores.

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READY FOR BATTLE

The Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 men are ramping up their preparations for SEA Games 2025 Thailand, with head coach Patrick Fran confidently affirming that the squad is fully ready to compete at the regional meet.#SEAGames33 #SEAGames2025 #SEAGamesThailand pic.twitter.com/9R6ikgptcG

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) December 10, 2025

“Ang goal talaga namin is gold,” said Eriobu, who rejoined the 3×3 program despite balancing commitments with Magnolia in the PBA. 

His resolve reflects the team’s mindset entering a field that has grown deeper and more competitive.

Gilas is bracing for a dangerous group, with Eriobu identifying several opponents who could shake up the standings.

“Vietnam, Malaysia at Indonesia ang mga darkhorse kaya hindi natin sila pwedeng i-take for granted,” he said. “At siyempre yung Thailand, sila yung host at gusto nilang mag-champion.”

Group A features host Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Myanmar, with the top two teams from each bracket advancing to the semifinals.

For Gilas 3×3, the road back to the top begins with discipline, experience, and the hunger to correct the heartbreak of 2023. And as the competition tips off, the team believes those ingredients are enough to spark a return to gold.

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