Joshua Munzon is looking to build on the progress gained during the first training bubble of Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament slated later this month in Graz, Austria.
“I just think we just continue to build on what we have been working on, the chemistry and just be better,” Munzon said ahead of Gilas 3x3's return to the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna this week.
Munzon, CJ Perez, Mo Tautuaa, Santi Santillan and Karl Dehesa spent eight days at the training facility to kick off its buildup for the May 26 to 30 competition.
Gilas 3x3, however, trained without Alvin Pasaol, who failed to take part in the first bubble due to health and safety protocols. The veteran 3x3 player and Meralco Bolts rookie is expected to finally join the squad once training resumes.
Still, Munzon liked what the team was able to accomplish during their stay at the facility known as the “Calambubble.”
“It was very productive and we were able to accomplish a lot. Good to be around a lot of people after being locked out for so long,” said Munzon. “We were able to shake the rust off and have an idea on what our offense and defense will be.”
Having Pasaol will be crucial in further strengthening the team’s chemistry and conditioning as it aims to secure one of three slots to the Tokyo Olympics.
Gilas is in Group C along with Slovenia, France, Qatar and Dominican Republic, needing a top two finish to reach the quarterfinals.
The Philippines opens its campaign on the 26th against Slovenia and Qatar before facing Dominican Republic two days later.