HIGH school champion John Lloyd Clemente eyes a bigger prize this time as he banners the young Philippine team vying to defend the men’s crown in the Fiba Asia 3×3 Under-18 Championship at Cyberjaya, Selangor in Malaysia, this weekend.
Clemente, who helped power National University to the UAAP juniors basketball championship last season, teams up with Kyle Christian Tan, John Martin Galinato and Rhayyan Amsali in a bid to lead the country back to the world stage.
The Philippines clinched a berth in the 2015 Fiba 3×3 U18 World Championships at Debrecen, Hungary, after ruling the continental games with a squad led by former world slam dunk champion Kobe Paras.
But the country hopes to complete a sweep this time with the women’s team of Kristine Cayabyab, Mary Ann Cayabyab, Jenilyn Gamboa and Cristel Mae Dizon.
Chinese Taipei bagged the women’s crown in the tournament’s inaugural edition in May 2013 in Bangkok.
Anton Altamirano and Mark Solano will mentor the men’s team, while Jehtru Yao will coach the distaff side.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas regional director Edilberto Abalos heads the delegation. Jasmine W. Payo