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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Pinoy dribblers face stiff challenge in Asian Games 3x3

Pinoy dribblers face stiff challenge in Asian Games 3x3

Published Jul 29, 2026 03:32 pm

At A Glance

  • The Gilas Pilipinas U23 3x3 team braces for a big challenge after being included in a strong bracket in the 20th Asian Games slated Sept. 20 to 25 in Japan.
(Koji Buenaflor / Facebook)
(Koji Buenaflor / Facebook)
The Gilas Pilipinas U23 3x3 team braces for a big challenge after being included in a strong bracket in the 20th Asian Games slated Sept. 20 to 25 in Japan.
Following the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) decision to expand its 3x3 pool, the Nationals now face a stern test on Japanese soil, where they have been drawn into Pool A alongside Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, and defending bronze medalist Mongolia.
Also headlining the contest is reigning champion Chinese Taipei which is fielded in Pool C together with last edition’s runner-up Qatar, Indonesia, and Bahrain. Pool B, meanwhile, is composed of China, Iran, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
Pool D features Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.
The Taiwanese reigned supreme in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China after beating the Qataris, 18-16, in the gold medal match. On the other hand, the Mongolians bagged the bronze with a 21-20 escape over the South Koreans.
With collegiate talents in Bismarck Lina, Bryan Sajonia, Janrey Pasaol and Justine Sanchez, the Philippines, for its part, finished seventh overall with a 4-2 win-loss tally and reached the quarterfinal where it stumbled against South Korea, 19-16.
The SBP is looking forward to creating a 12 to 13-man list which will be split for the quadrennial meet and the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup which runs from Sept. 15 to 19 in Wuhan, China.
Part of its preparation for the continental showpiece is joining the Youth Nations League in Singapore next month, according to 3x3 program director Ryan Gregorio.
College stars Jhuniel Dela Rama, Koji Buenaflor, Earl Medina, Cabs Cabonilas and Jedrick Daa are being eyed as members of the pool under head coach JJ Espanola.

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