THE Meralco team played a huge hand in keeping the Gilas U23 unit ready and prepared for its campaign in the 3x3 FIBA Nations League in Handan, China.
The Bolts, who won the final conference of the PBA 3x3 Season 3, trained with the national team from May 2 to June 7 prior to the latter's departure for the Chinese city southwest of Hebie province.
Meralco regulars Joseph Sedurifa, Alfred Batino, Jeff Manday, JJ Manlangit, Reymar Caduyac, and Red Cachuela helped toughen up Gilas young guns Rey Remogat, Jun Roque, JM Tulabut, Zedjay Etulle, Jhynno Ladimo, and last but not the least Patrick Sleat.
READ In shock move, PBA shelves its 3x3 program indefinitely
By lending a hand to the national team, the Bolts' players made themselves useful after the PBA discontinued its 3x3 program.
Patrick Fran, who handles the Gilas U23 team, also happens to be the coach of the Bolts.
So far the training stint has benefited the national team as the Filipinos remain in contention for a spot in the World U-23 in Ulaanbataar, Mongolia.
After Stop 3, Gilas is at third spot for the tournament with 190 Tour points behind No. 1 Mongolia (300) and second-running Japan 230.
The Filipinos lost to Mongolia, 21-9, but won against Turkmenistan, 22-18.
They take a break on Thursday before resuming their campaign on Friday against Mongolia and Japan.
PBA Hall of Famer Ronnie Magsanoc serves as team manager, with Lester Del Rosario as assistant coach, Migs De Guzman as physical therapist and trainer, and Ariel Pilongco as utility staff.
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