THE PHILIPPINE Basketball Association (PBA) 3×3 for women, introduced this season by commissioner Chito Narvasa, is a most significant way of acknowledging what Perlas Pilipinas, the Philippine women’s basketball team, accomplished last August during the Fiba Asia Women’s Championship in China.
Narvasa didn’t say it but it is apparent that the 3×3 competition is dedicated to Philippine women’s basketball, which he said is “one of the most neglected sectors in Philippine basketball.”
Perhaps not too many people are aware that we accomplished a great feat in China.
It was the first time that the Philippines made it to Level 1 of the competition. Like most Southeast Asian nations, the Philippines had been competing in Level 2, along with such sides as Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong.
Both tall and skillful, Thailand and Malaysia boast of the strongest women’s teams in Southeast Asia and often competed in Level 1.
This year, Perlas Pilipinas surprised everyone when it ended up on top of the Level 2 heap, followed by North Korea.
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“The Philippines beat India in crucial the crossover matches, while North Korea defeated Thailand. Thus Thailand and India were relegated to Level 2 while Perlas Pilipinas and North Korea were upgraded to Level 1,” explained Bernie Atienza, deputy executive director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
Many years ago, Atienza coached the country’s women’s team and is happy to see the transition first-hand.
According to Atienza, the Filipinos’ strongest weapons were their speed and shooting.
“Especially our three-point shots. We’re not that tall, but we hope to augment our height by recruiting a naturalized player or a tall Filipino-American. We need a center,” Atienza said.
More than anything, the former women’s coach attributes this year’s success to preparation.
“In the past, head coach Patrick Aquino never had ample time to prepare, Now he was given all the room to mold his team, with the full support of longtime sponsor Ever Bilena. We will start our training as soon as we can which is after the holidays,” Atienza added.
The next step, Atienza said, is to aim for higher placings in Level 1 where Japan rules, followed by China, South Korea and Chinese Taipei.
“Perlas cagers are not allowed to play in the 3×3 but if we spot a Perlas material in the 3×3, I believe she’s ours for the taking,” said Atienza.
Perlas sponsors Blackwater and NLEX are currently leading in the 3×3 team standings with 2-0 cards.
Blackwater, which is also owned by brothers Silliman and Dioceldo Sy, can field in three national players. The Road Warriors, on the other hand, have three Nationals.