Terrence Romeo tries to dribble past his defender during the 2015 Fiba 3×3 Manila Masters in August. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
It may be too early to tell, but a little over 20 players have already expressed their desires to don the national tri-colors for the 2018 Fiba 3×3 World Cup in June.
Former 3×3 campaigners Terrence Romeo, Kiefer Ravena, and Calvin Abueva are just some of the cagers who have shown interest in playing in the global hoops exposition slated at Philippine Arena from June 8 to 12.
“I heard Terrence, I heard Kiefer sounded off, same with Calvin. They’ve been there and they’ve experienced the 3×3 game before. They also know that their game has improved because of the 3×3 and it has also improved their careers,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio.
Romeo dazzled the halfcourts back in the 2014 Fiba 3×3 World Tour Finals in Sendai, Japan for Manila West together with Niño Cañaleta, Aldrech Ramos, and Rey Guevarra.
Abueva followed suit the succeeding year, leading Manila North in the 2015 Fiba 3×3 World Tour Finals in Abu Dhabi with Troy Rosario, Vic Manuel, and Karl Dehesa.
Meanwhile, Ravena led the Philippine team in the 2017 Fiba 3×3 World Cup to an 11th place finish with Jeron Teng, Kobe Paras, and JR Quiñahan.
Panlilio was elated with the support the 3×3 program is garnering from the players, but the amiable executive is leaving it up to the coaches, specifically 3×3 head Eric Altamirano and Gilas Pilipinas mentor Chot Reyes, to form the best squad to represent the country.
“Maybe it’s also the passion of the players to play basketball and to support the SBP in these events,” he said.
“We just have to work it out with the coaches on who would be the best four we could choose and commit to the World Cup. I hope we could really come up with a good team to compete and probably spur the development of 3×3 here especially that the 3×3 is now an Olympic event,” he said.