The best 3x3 squads in Asia have made their trip to Singapore for the game’s top regional meet.
The qualifying draw for the 2023 edition of the FIBA 3x3 Asia has already begun. And starting tomorrow, the main draw of the tourney will be played until it’s concluded on April 2.
The men’s division features 12 teams vying for the crown. The Gilas Men's 3x3 squad is in Pool D where they’ll have to deal with the Qataris and a squad from the qualifying draw.
Team Pilipinas
The Filipino contingent is led by the country’s best 3x3 scorer Almond Vosotros. He is joined by his TNT Tropang Giga teammate Samboy De Leon whom he won a PBA 3x3 Grand Slam with in February. Completing the cast is swingman Jorey Napoles and 6-foot-8 bruiser Brandon Bates. They will be guided by coach Lester del Rosario.
Expectations
Since Team Philippines surprisingly ended up as fourth placers in 2022, a maiden podium finish for the Filipino hoopers right now is a realistic goal more than ever. Stunning the top seeded Mongolian squad in last year’s quarterfinals, a barrier has been broken for Vosotros and his current crew. Expect them to bring the heat every time they step out there on the court.
Players to watch out for
Fadi Abilmona (Qatar)
Since they are grouped with Team Qatar, the Filipino hoopers will have to watch out for the 37-year-old speedster. He’s been out of international competitions for four years, but if Fadi proves that he hasn’t lost a step, then the former champs got themselves a dangerous weapon.
Anan Ariunbold (Mongolia)
Ariunbold was voted the as the Most Spectacular Player in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2022. But his team got booted out in last year’s quarterfinals with a stone cold stunner, courtesy of Vosotros. For sure, the 25-year-old scoring specialist is on a redemption mission that might lead to a rematch with Team Philippines.
Yuanbo Zhu (China)
China’s athletic 6-foot-8 tower will be a handful for any team including the Philippines should they meet down the road. Zhu impressed in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2022. He’s not about slow down, going up against his fellow Asian cagers.
Almond Vosotros (Philippines)
How far the Philippines goes depends on the extent of the firepower of the former De La Salle Green Archer. He’s capable of piling up the points, and hitting the big shots as proven in his game-winner against Mongolia a year ago. The 5-foot-11 sharpshooter is definitely a marked man in the Lion City.
Team Philippines schedule
The campaign of the men’s team begins tomorrow at 3:15 p.m.. First, they’ll take on a qualifier, to be followed by a showdown with Qatar at 8:45 p.m..