Defense a priority for talented Chooks Pilipinas 3×3

The Chooks-Pilipinas 3×3 squad. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/ Joaqui Flores

Coach Eric Altamirano felt that last year’s Philippine team for the 3×3 World Cup could have done better had the team not run into injuries along the way.

Mac Belo, Karl Dehesa, and Glenn Khobuntin fought valiantly in the 2016 tilt, but could only muster a 2-2 slate to finish third in Group C and miss out in the knockout stages of the 3×3 World Cup in China.

“I thought that we could have done better last year except that Russel Escoto got injured,” said Altamirano, remembering last year’s campaign in the international halfcourt stage.

“We were playing with three players, so in the end, they got burned out. During the crucial stages, we didn’t have any gas left,” he said.

This time,Chooks-Pilipinas 3×3 will be out for redemption in the 2017 Fiba 3×3 World Cup in Nantes, France from June 17 to 21.

Kobe Paras, Jeron Teng, Kiefer Ravena, and JR Quiñahan will wear the national tri-colors as they compete in Group B against hosts France, Slovenia, Romania, and El Salvador.

Though there is no doubt in Altamirano’s mind that his players can rack up the points, his focus, though is on the team’s defense as they brace for bigger foes in the halfcourt.

“I have no question about the offense. I think our players have the skill to be able to score. The question I have is on our defense because they’ll be up against bigger and stronger players,” he said.

Altamirano, though, expressed confidence that the hunger of the young guns together with Quiñahan’s veteran know-hows will be enough to lift the squad to the win.

“Before, we had Terrence Romeo. He was one of the smallest players but he was able to excel and help the team win. And that’s exactly the role I can see Kiefer and Jeron will be filling.  We’ve had experiences before where we have a small lineup and I think that balances also with the athleticism of Kobe and the maturity of JR,” he said.