THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Wednesday announced that preparation for the FIBA 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament will start next week at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
SBP President Al Panlilio said Joshua Munzon (TerraFirma), Alvin Pasaol (Meralco), Leonard Santillan (Rain or Shine) and CJ Perez and Mo Tautuaa (San Miguel Beer) will be joining the bubble as they prepare for the May 26 to 30 tournament in Graz, Austria.
“The SBP thanks Commissioner Willie Marcial, the PBA [Philippine Basketball Association] board of governors and the mother teams of the five players for their support,” Panlilio said. “All the players and coaches, led by SBP 3×3 Program Director Ronnie Magsanoc, have started the protocol necessary to enter the training bubble and they will start their practices next week.”
The Philippines will take on Qatar and Slovenia on May 26 and Dominican Republic and France on May 28 for the chance to grab one of three spots for the Tokyo Olympics.
Also joining the training bubble is 2012 PBA Draftee Karl Dehesa who last saw action for Phoenix in the PBA. Dehesa and Santillan will be the two reserves for the squad.
“We believe that the Philippines will have a competitive team in Austria,” Panlilio said. “It’s a big challenge to upset teams ranked in the top 10 of 3×3 in Slovenia and France, but we have a good combination of skill, speed, size and strength to give them a run for their money.”