Ricci Rivero leads Gilas team for Fiba 3×3 Asia Cup

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MANILA, Philippines—Ricci Rivero and Jack Animam banner the Gilas Pilipinas’ men’s and women’s 3×3 teams, respectively in the Fiba 3×3 Asia Cup beginning Wednesday in Changsha, China.

Rivero, who has played in several international 3×3 competitions including the Fiba U23 World Cup last year, will be joined by Far Eastern University big man Barkley Ebona and high school standouts RJ Abarrientos and Rhayyan Amsali with Ronnie Magsanoc calling the shots.

READ: PH taps its best for Fiba 3X3 

The first order of business for the Rivero-led Philippine campaign is to top its group in the qualification phase to earn a berth in pool play.

The Philippines is in Group A in the qualifier along with Qatar, Iran, Samoa and Thailand. The winner will be slotted with host China and New Zealand in the preliminary round.

Rounding out the women’s squad, which is coached by Patrick Aquino, are electrifying guard Janine Pontejos, Afril Bernardino and Clare Castro.

The Filipinas will also need to go through the qualifying stage against Chinese Taipei, Samoa and Vanuatu in Group A.