The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas congratulates the Gilas Pilipinas Men 3×3 squad for their fourth-place finish in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore.

After having to earn their spot through the Qualifying Draw, the team composed of Almond Vosotros, Samboy De Leon, and Lervin Flores from the TNT Tropang Giga and Joseph Eriobu from the Purefoods TJ Titans qualified for the Quarterfinals and then shocked the number 1 seeded Mongolia.

Gilas was a 10-1 underdog in the game against the 3×3 specialists but they found a way to overcome the odds and finish in the top four with Australia, New Zealand, and China.

This is the Philippines’ best ever finish in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup and a clear sign that the partnership with the PBA is working out well.

The SBP thanks the players for their sacrifice as well as their coaches Mau Belen of TNT and Tony Boy Espinosa of Purefoods. We also appreciate the coaches who joined the team in Singapore in Pioneer Pro Tibay’s Lester Del Rosario, SPB 3×3 Program Director Ronnie Magsanoc, and PBA 3×3 Tournament Director Joey Guanio. 

The success of Gilas in Singapore was the result of the hard work of the entire PBA 3×3 community. When the SBP brought up the idea of launching a 3×3 league, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial bought in from the start and we also got amazing support from PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas and the entire Board of Governors with PBA 3×3 Commissioner Dickie Bachmann taking the lead.

From the coaches and trainers who prepare the athletes to their opponents who toughen them up with good competition to the PBA and SBP staff for always making sure that the tournaments run smoothly, this victory is also yours.

The SBP and the PBA will continue working hand in hand to show our Lakas ng Tatlo.