Women’s team proves 3×3 program on right track

The Gilas women’s program is on the right track. —POC MEDIA

NAGOYA—Another silver medal gave the Gilas Pilipinas women’s program more evidence of its progress in 3×3 basketball—and more motivation to finally turn a string of runner-up finishes into gold.

The Philippines settled for silver in the 20th Asian Games women’s 3×3 competition, its third runnerup finish this year after similar podium runs in the FIBA Asia Cup and Asian Beach Games.

With the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games coming up in December, Gilas hopes its steady climb can eventually produce a breakthrough championship.

“The most important thing is we are seeing progress,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas 3×3 program director Ryan Gregorio said.

“What we need to do right now is to continue to look for ways to improve our teams and also to compete at a very high level. We’re happy, but we’re not satisfied.”

Japan denied the Philippines the Asian Games crown behind Yuki Hirashita’s late basket, but another medal was added to what Gilas officials described as encouraging results from the country’s developing 3×3 program. INQ