BOCAUE — Philippine women’s coach Pat Aquino lauded the effort of the national team despite going winless in four matches in the Fiba 3x3 World Cup on Sunday.
The Perlas 3x3 team closed out the campaign with an 18-15 loss to Hungary after blowing an 11-9 lead. Hours earlier it also stood its ground against a tall Spain side before losing, 21-17.
Outside of its 10-point loss to Pool D top-seed Netherlands, the Philippines lost by an average margin of three points.
“I’m proud of the girls for the effort, for the hardwork they did today, and in the past two or three days,” said Aquino, expressing hope that the campaign will spur the development of women’s basketball in the country.
“It’s a start of something big sana for the future. Maybe this is the spark for women’s basketball. Hoping na sana masuportahan kami. You can see naman na we could be side-by-side with the other international teams.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa fans and suporters, to SBP na nabigyan kami ng chance to show kung gaano kami kagaling at ma-represent ang country in the near future,” said Aquino.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) 3x3 director Mark Solano also lauded the effort of the women’s team.
“It’s been a fun ride and I’ve been talking to the bosses this morning. Malaking eye-opener ito para sa lahat ng nanonood ng women’s basketball sa Pilipinas. Nakita nila kung paano lumaban ‘yung apat na manlalaro natin.
“We are praying and believing that this is just the start of greater things ahead for women’s basketball not only in 3x3 but on 5-on-5,” said Solano.
Aquino also hopes the showing of the Philippines in the Fiba 3x3 World Cup will also lead to a possible Asian Games stint where 3x3 will make its debut in Indonesia in August.
“We are hoping na baka mapansin kami ngayon and there is still a chance. You’ll never know. Sabi nga, eye-opener. Maybe tomorrow, may tawag ang SBP, sabi isama na natin ‘yung women’s. But I’m just hoping,” said Aquino.
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