New-look Gilas 3×3 begin preparations for Asia Cup in Singapore 

The Gilas Pilipinas men’s 3×3 team is shaping up for a fresh run at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, leaning on a mix of youth, talent, and experience as they fine-tune their game ahead of the April 1-5 tournament at Singapore’s OCBC Arena.

 Practices over the past two months have been intense, with a special emphasis on integrating the current national team core with seasoned 3×3 veterans.

Helping mold the new-look squad are well-known 3×3 campaigners Juan Gomez de Liaño, Joseph Eriobu, and Dominick Fajardo, who, along with Robbie Herndon, spent weeks scrimmaging with the Gilas quartet of Jerrick Ahanmisi, Ralph Cu, Chris Koon, and Sean Alter. 

Their presence provided the younger players with valuable exposure to high-level 3×3 play, bridging the gap between domestic league experience and international competition.

Eriobu, a two-time Southeast Asian Games 3×3 representative and a mainstay of Purefoods in the PBA 3×3, shared the floor with Fajardo, who has suited up for NLEX in the same league. GDL, meanwhile, brings international experience from the 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup. 

The trio was specifically tapped by coaches Kirk Collier, Patrick Fran, and JJ Espanola to accelerate the team’s preparation and bring a competitive edge to the upcoming Asia Cup.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy expressed gratitude to both the PBA and UAAP for loaning their players, noting that the collaboration is crucial for building a strong national 3×3 program. 

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A mix of professional players and a collegiate standout will headline Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming 2026 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup next week in Singapore.

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“We thank the leadership of the PBA and UAAP for allowing their players to represent the country in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup,” Dy said. “We know it really takes a community to build a strong program, and we’re very happy to get the commitment of many individuals who showed up for our team’s practices to share their knowledge and experience.”

NLEX and MPTC governor Ronald Dulatre also highlighted the team effort behind the preparations, particularly for Fajardo and Herndon’s participation. 

“We at MPTC and NLEX have always envisioned helping the national team. And when the SBP presented the possibility of us being involved in the men’s 3×3 program, we did not hesitate,” he said. 

“We heeded the call from SBP President and PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas to renew the commitment to 3×3 in terms of hopes of making it to the Olympics.”

With the mix of youth and veteran leadership, the new-look Gilas 3×3 squad aims to make a strong impression in Singapore while laying the groundwork for the team’s long-term vision, including potential Olympic qualification.

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