Bolick embraces 3x3 challenge
The Gilas Pilipinas men’s 3x3 has kickstarted its buildup for the Southeast Asian Games, and coach Ronnie Magsanoc expressed confidence his all-pro team can adjust fast to the rules of the game ahead of its golden quest in December.
“I’m optimistic that in time, they’ll be able to make adjustments,” said Magsanoc after conducting the first practice for the 12-man pool Thursday night at the Meralco Gym.
“The ball used is smaller, although it has the same weight, and whereas they play 48 minutes (in 5-on-5), here it’s only 10 minutes and the shot-clock is just half of what they’re used to (24 seconds).
“But they are smart players and the most important thing here is their committment and willingness to learn so we’ll do our best to fast-track things by doing a lot of video coaching to make things easier to understand,” he said.
FIBA World Cup campaigners Robert Bolick and CJ Perez lead the pool. They are joined by Mo Tautuaa, Jason Perkins, Chirs Newsome, Mac Belo, Terrence Romeo, Anthony Semerad, Chris Banchero, Ian Sangalang, Raymond Almazan and Baser Amer.
Magsanoc, who is assisted by Mo Gingerich and San Miguel Beer’s Alex Cabagnot, is expected to trim the pool to six soon before selecting the final four to the inaugural medal event in the SEAG.
Bolick expressed excitement to play 3x3 after his World Cup stint, also stressing he didn’t mind being excluded by coach Tim Cone in the veteran-laden pool he assembled for the centerpiece 5-on-5 event.
“It’s a new challenge I’m ready to face,” said Bolick.
“I’m okay with anything, just not volleyball,” he said, laughing. “At least I can say I have the chance to play 5-on-5 and 3-on-3. As for Gilas 5-on-5, I think everyone in that pool deserves to be there, it’s actually a stronger lineup.”
Meanwhile, Cone finally got a complete attendance from his 15-man Gilas pool last Thursday with June Mar Fajardo participating after missing last week’s session due to ankle problems.
“He (Fajardo) just makes the team look different. He makes everything look different out there,” said Cone. “I didn’t have to instruct him one thing. All he did was watch what everyone was doing and he picked it up just like that. His basketball IQ is off the charts. It’s amazing. He’s fun to be around.”