SBP plots new 3x3 road map after winless Graz OQT campaign

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas' (SBP) 3x3 program is tipped to undergo a revamp following a discouraging campaign by Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 in the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

SBP special assistant to the president Ryan Gregorio said the federation has identified key steps in making sure that its 3x3 program will achieve greater heights moving forward.

“The first order of business is to encourage and identify 3x3 players who will be dedicated to the 3x3 discipline while also taking advantage of the flexibility of FIBA in terms of eligibility in 3x3,” Gregorio, a decorated PBA coach, explained.

“We know that there are a lot of good players out there who have Filipino blood but probably won’t be able to play in the PBA due to the current rules so it will be up to us in the federation to look for these talents and show them that a career in 3x3 is possible in the Philippines.”

Gregorio, though, gave props to the quartet of Joshua Munzon, CJ Perez, Alvin Pasaol, and Leonard Santillan who braved the OQT despite a short preparation period.

But the winless campaign served as a wake-up call to the federation.

“The SBP is appreciative of the sacrifices by our Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Men, from the training pool members, to the coaches and the staff, to our five representatives who flew to Austria because what they went through was not easy,” added Gregorio.

“We’re ready to move forward.”

To do this, Gregorio shared they will seek the guidance of 3x3 experts, most likely from European countries, as the game is a lot different from the regular 5-on-5 games.

“Although we have talented players, 3x3 is a different game altogether so it is a top priority for the SBP to identify a 3x3 specialist  from a top-ranked country that could help with our program,” Gregorio continued.

“Qatar got help from Serbia’s Dusan Bulut, the second-ranked 3x3 player in the world so there’s a clear benefit in the transfer of knowledge, especially from European countries that already figured how to be dominant in the 3x3 game.”

The SBP also eyes to strengthen its partnership with the PBA, which is set to launch its inaugural 3x3 fixture, while also serving as host of various FIBA 3x3 events.

“This is important because the higher the level of 3x3 played in the PBA, the better it will be for the SBP’s whole program,” he added.

“Outside of our partnership with the PBA, the SBP always has an open line of communication and cooperation with private entities and local promoters like CTG to further promote 3x3 basketball.”

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News