Gilas men qualify for FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup

MANILA, July 23 ------ Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Men capped off a remarkable campaign in the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Nations League Asia 2 competitions by securing a berth in the 2026 FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup after a dominant run in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Competing against fellow Under-21 teams from Japan, New Zealand, Belarus, Singapore, and Malaysia, the Philippines reached the finals in five of the six stops, winning three en route to a first-place finish. Gilas started its campaign with back-to-back victories but suffered a narrow loss to Belarus in the Stop 1 Finals. After missing out on the podium in Stop 2, Gilas bounced back by defeating Japan to win Stop 3. The young Filipinos left no doubt about who the best team was, beating New Zealand and Japan on game-winning two-point baskets to capture Stops 4 and 5.

The Philippines finished with 520 points in the tournament, 50 points ahead of second-place Japan, to earn a spot in the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup, marking another significant milestone for the SBP's rapidly growing 3x3 program. SBP Executive Director Erika Dy emphasized that the accomplishment reflects the federation's continued investment in the 3x3 discipline and the willingness of stakeholders across Philippine basketball to work together in developing the national teams. “Earlier this year, our Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Women ended an eight-year drought to make it back to the FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Now Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Men will also end their own eight-year drought to make it back to the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup,” said Dy. “This achievement is further proof that Filipinos are world-class not just in basketball but also in 3x3. With the support of our sponsors and the commitment of stakeholders, the SBP will continue to put our athletes in positions to succeed.”

In 2018, a team composed of RJ Abarrientos, Ricci Rivero, Rhayyan Amsali, and Jeepy Faundo finished with a 2-2 record in the pool stage to place ninth overall among 20 teams. "On behalf of the SBP 3x3 program, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the schools, coaches, and team officials who supported Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 by allowing their players to represent the country,” added Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Program Director Ryan Gregorio. “We are especially thankful to FEU Athletic Director Mark Molina and Coach Sean Chambers, who deliberately rescheduled their team's USA training so that Cabs Cabonilas and Jedric Daa could compete in this tournament. Our sincere appreciation also goes to Boss Alfrancis Chua and Coach Pido Jarencio for generously loaning UST big man Koji Buenaflor, to Adamson head coach Nash Racela for immediately allowing Earl Medina to join the national team, and to team manager Jude Roque and Coach Yuri Escueta for permitting Jhun Dela Rama to represent Gilas even while he is in residency. Their trust, cooperation, and shared commitment to Philippine basketball embody the spirit of 'one team, one country.' We truly appreciate their invaluable support.”

With a place in the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup now secured, Gilas Pilipinas turns its attention to competing against the world's best from September 15 to 19 in Wuhan, China, and continuing the country's upward trajectory in international 3x3 basketball.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com