Joshua Munzon says Gilas 3x3 camp 'felt natural', 'productive'

For Joshua Munzon, going to the Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 training camp in Calamba, Laguna was like coming back to familiar territory.

Prior to joining the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Munzon was dominating the Philippine 3x3 circuit, making him the highest-ranked Filipino in the FIBA 3x3 world rankings at no. 136.

"I definitely can say that it felt natural," Munzon said about his return to 3x3 training. "Just going out there was like riding a bike. I can't say it was easy but we were able to shake off some rust."

Munzon, along with CJ Perez and Mo Tautuaa, and alternates Santi Santillan and Karl Dehesa, went to Calamba last week to train for the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifiers in Graz, Austria which will be held later this month.

While the camp was temporarily cut for the team to arrange necessary documents ahead of their trip, Munzon said their practice sessions under Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas 3x3 program director Ronnie Magsanoc achieved a lot.

"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," Munzon said. "We were able to shake the rust off and have an idea on what our offense and defense will be."

The top pick of the regular round of the recent PBA draft believes once they return to camp, they just need to build on what they are doing and improve their chemistry, as teammate Alvin Pasaol will join them in their next sessions.

Munzon and the rest of the Gilas 3x3 squad will face Slovenia, France, Dominican Republic, and Qatar for the group stage of the OQT and for Munzon, it is an honor to be part of the national team.

"It's amazing to be part of this and to be in this position. We hope to make the country proud." —Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News