Philippine men’s 3×3 team coach Eric Altamirano revealed that he tried to form a squad composed of PBA stars for the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in France but the league’s schedule made it impossible.
Altamirano told InterAksyon that sending PBA players was the first option given the quality of competition in the 3×3 World Cup.
“Sa 3×3 kasi, mamaan ang laban diyan,” he said. “We were trying to bring in the best of the best because this is a world-level competition, but because of the conflict in schedule with the PBA, we were forced to tap the best talent available.”
However, with the Commissioner’s Cup is still ongoing, the likes of Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo, who have played international 3×3 basketball, weren’t available.
But the team isn’t lacking in talent as it boasts amateur stars Kobe Paras, Kiefer Ravena and Jeron Teng who, like Abueva and Romeo, have all represented the country in 3×3 events.
Completing the team is NLEX Road Warriors big man JR Quinahan who will provide veteran leadership to the young squad. He was able to join as his club is already out of contention for the Commissioner’s Cup.
“It’s a balanced team. Although we’re sending a practically young lineup, most of them if not all of them have experience playing in the 3×3 level,” Altamirano said.
The Filipinos are grouped with host France, Slovenia, Romania and El Salvador in Pool B of the competition which will tip off on June 17.