MVP believes country should give more attention on 3x3

FORMER Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Manuel V. Pangilinan believes that Philippine basketball should now give special attention to the 3x3 following its inclusion in the Olympic Games.

Acknowledged as the modern day godfather of basketball in the country, Pangilinan urges the new leaders to start developing a solid program for the Filipinos as he feels the 3x3 would be a good avenue for us to finally play in the Olympics.

“I’m not an expert on 3x3, but it gives us a better chance than the five-on-five. The style of play is different as we don’t have to be extra tall. I think relatively speaking it’s a slightly better chance for us,” said Mr. Pangilinan.

For the past few years, the Philippines has been sending teams playing in the world stage of the FIBA 3x3 tournaments with notable PBA players like Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva, Troy Rosario and Vic Manuel representing the country in the major events.

A few days from now, the Philippines will be sending top PBA prospects Kiefer Ravena and Jeron Teng, collegiate standout Kobe Paras and PBA veteran JR Quinahan to play in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup in France.

Head coach Eric Altamirano said he was planning to include top PBA players to represent the 3x3 team, but because of conflict in the schedule, the amiable mentor decided to tap the best talented players available.

Rosario, a former player of Altamirano with his champion team National University several years ago and the 3x3 team which played in the world stage last year, was one of those being requested to join.

“Yes, they were asking me to be part of the 3x3 team, but there’s a conflict in schedule,” said Rosario, whose team TNT is still playing in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs and has taken the upper hand against Barangay Ginebra in their best-of-five semifinals series.