FILE — GIlas 3×3 team.
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine national 3×3 team is set to enter a training bubble next week ahead of the Fiba Olympic qualifying tournament in Graz, Austria in May.
The team, composed of PBA players in CJ Perez and Mo Tautuaa of San Miguel Beer, Joshua Munzon of Terrafirma and Alvin Pasaol of Meralco, is set to begin its buildup at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna before leaving for Austria a week prior to the OQT, which is scheduled from May 26 to 30.
As per PBA vice chair and Terrafirma governor Bobby Rosales, Gilas 3×3’s preparation was made according to an agreement between the PBA and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
“They’re supposed to start bubble training next week,” said Rosales on Tuesday during a press briefing.
“They have asked the permission of the teams if they can bring the players into their bubble at Inspire in Calamba next week.”
Gilas is grouped with the Dominican Republic, France, Slovenia and Qatar.
Rosales also said the players’ mother teams have also requested the SBP to allow the four to join their respective squad’s practices once lockdown measures ease up.
Gilas 3×3’s training will also be transferred to Metro Manila the moment PBA teams are permitted to hold scrimmages, according to Rosales.
“As far as the SBP is concerned, that should not be a problem when the IATF allows scrimmages also,” he said.