The Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 U23 squad braces for a grueling schedule by rolling out its plans of expanding the national pool as both the Asian Games and the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup take place in September.

Following their triumph in the FIBA 3x3 Nations League Asia 2 in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia earlier this month, Gilas U23, bannered by Jhuniel Dela Rama, Koji Buenaflor, Earl Medina, Cabs Cabonilas and Jedrick Daa, now faces a welcome problem as the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan (Sept. 20 to 25) overlaps with the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup in Wuhan, China (Sept. 15 to 19).

Both are important events for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and for the country, knowing these events could develop players in 3x3 basketball which is also currently included in the Olympics.

But like any major undertaking, it comes with its own challenges.

“We’re preparing for two tournaments, the world U23 and Asian Games U23. So, it’s impossible for us to have one team, so we’re expanding our pool and checking the players who are available,” said 3x3 program director Ryan Gregorio.

“The biggest conflict right now is the schedule of the UAAP and the NCAA. Those are the things that we really have to scrutinize,” he added during Tuesday’s PSA Forum which was presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.

Most of the eligible players for the said category are coming from the collegiate scene, and, unfortunately, those student-athletes will be diving into action anew for the new seasons of their respective leagues.

It is a matter that Gregorio, the SBP, as well as the players and coaches led by JJ Espanola, will have to carefully address.

“What we’ve seen right now is a situation in wherein, we really have to come up with the best possible team for us to be competitive at the international level,” Gregorio continued. “These are the top players of their respective schools… tinataas lang natin ‘yong level natin sa 3x3… historically ‘yong 3x3 program is just a sideshow, but right now it’s a centerpiece event because it’s part of the Olympics.”

According to Gregorio, they are aiming to build a roster that is composed 12 to 13 players who are going to be be split for Asian Games and the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup, where the Philippines is set to make its return after an eight-year absence.

“One of the keys na nagawa namin sa Malaysia ay naging open kami sa mga ideas… in that way mas naging madali ‘yong game samin tingin ko sa World Cup ganun din ‘yong approach namin,” said Buenaflor, a University of Santo Tomas standout.

Before going to the high-stake competitions, Gilas 3x3 competes in the Youth Nations League in Singapore next month.