No Holy Week break for Gilas 3×3 as nationals chase Asia Cup gains

Even with the PBA on pause for Holy Week, basketball remains in full swing for a select group of Filipino standouts tasked to represent the country in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 in Singapore.

On the men’s side, Ralph Cu from Ginebra, Chris Koon from Magnolia, and Jerrick Ahanmisi from Terrafirma will suit up despite the PBA’s scheduled break, joined by University of the Philippines big man Sean Alter. 

Instead of rest and recovery, the four national representatives shifts focus to the high-speed, high-pressure demands of 3×3 basketball.

Their shared experience in the UAAP scene offers a foundation of chemistry, something that becomes even more valuable in a format where games are short, possessions are limited, and every decision matters. Gilas Men must first get through Qualifying Draw A against Maldives and Thailand to earn a spot in the main draw.

If they advance, a tougher test awaits in Pool A against Mongolia and Chinese Taipei, two teams known for their physicality and discipline. 

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Are you ready for the biggest #3x3Basketball event in Asia?#3x3AsiaCup in back in Singapore with the best teams fighting for the continental title

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— 3×3 Basketball | FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) February 25, 2026

The women’s team faces a similar situation. Afril Bernardino, Mikka Cacho, Kacey dela Rosa, and Cheska Apag enter the tournament as the fifth seed, carrying the confidence of last year’s fourth-place finish. Yet even with that momentum, there is little room to ease into competition.

Awaiting them is a matchup against the winner of Qualifying Draw D, with powerhouse Australia already looming in Pool D. 

Under coach Anton Altamirano, the team has focused on sharpening its quick-strike offense and defensive rotations—key elements in a format that rewards speed and precision.

What makes this campaign stand out is the sacrifice behind it. While many spend Holy Week in reflection and rest, these athletes remain locked into preparation and competition. 

At stake is more than just placement. For Gilas, the Asia Cup is a proving ground—not only to improve on last year’s results, where the men placed 15th and the women finished just outside the podium, but also to show that Philippine 3×3 basketball continues to grow despite challenges.

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