The Chooks-Pilipinas 3×3 squad. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/ Joaqui Flores
Despite the overwhelming talent in the Chooks-Pilipinas 3×3 squad, coach Eric Altamirano believes that teamwork will be the determining factor in the team’s success in the 2017 Fiba 3×3 World Cup.
“We’re facing bigger and stronger teams so we really have to rely on our teamwork,” said the seasoned mentor on Wednesday.
But the players themselves believe that they have the capacity to make some noise in the international halfcourt stage.
READ: Quiñahan joins Paras, Teng, Ravena in PH 3×3 squad
“I think our team is perfect for 3×3,” said the highly touted forward Kobe Paras.
“It’s a mixture of youth and experience, and in terms of our strength, speed will be our advantage,”
Kiefer Ravena added.
Paras and Ravena will be joined by Jeron Teng and NLEX big man JR Quiñahan in the 3×3 team that will compete in Nantes, France on June 17 to 21.
The team’s bankrollers expressed confidence with the Philippine team in its World Cup bid as it aspires to replicate Gilas Pilipinas’ triumph in the 2017 Seaba Championship.
“We believe we have a good chance in 3×3 and we’re hoping that the success we had in five-on-five will also translate in 3×3,” said Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. president Ronald Mascariñas.
Teng, however, is tempering expectations with the Chooks-Pilipinas 3×3 crew gunning to exceed last year’s finish.
“Hopefully, we’ll get a better record than what we had in the previous year and we’ll just do our best,” he said.