THE stark contrast between the glamorous, hastily assembled Gilas Pilipinas five-a-side national squad and the gritty, tightly knit national 3x3 team has never been more perfectly exposed.
While the five-on-five team constantly grappled with last-minute roster changes and disjointed chemistry, the national 3x3 squad is proudly showcasing the undeniable power of long-term preparation and absolute systemic cohesion.
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In an exclusive Team Pilipinas 3x3 team interview with SPIN.ph, this deep-rooted connection was exactly what the nationals banked on in a big upset of top-seeded Mongolia at the start of the Asian Games 3x3 basketball competition.
For context, the men’s 3x3 team was handled by different Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) officials from the Gilas 5x5 squad and the ‘streetball’ management put premium on cohesion and laid down a long-term program for the team.
"Matagal na po kasi kami talagang magkakasama, then nakaganda po kasi 'yung format ng Asian Games, Under-23. We have been together for years sa Under-21 pa sa we know each other’s tendencies," shared team captain Nic Cabanero.
When asked if the debacle of the Gilas five-on-five team that failed to advance past the group stage in its title defense added extra pressure on their shoulders, the 3x3 players shrugged it off.
"Yung pressure po kasi andiyan lang po talaga 'yan eh. Ini-embrace lang po namin 'yung pressure, and actually wala kaming iniisip na ganyan eh regarding sa five-on-five na ano ba 'yung result sa kanila," Cabanero said.
Unlike their five-on-five counterparts, this Gilas 3x3 core has spent considerable time together, having previously battled as an Under-23 unit in the Asian Beach Games where they placed 4th against teams that fielded open line-ups.
While the exact final four-man roster was only finalized a month and a half ago due to overlapping UAAP and MPBL schedules, the core has been relentlessly practicing three to four times a week long before the domestic seasons even tipped off.
Gilas 3x3 as second-class citizens?
Furthermore, younger pieces like Luis Pablo, Dwyne Dueñas, and Koji gained invaluable, high-level international reps by competing in the U21 Nations League, while veterans already had the Asian Beach Games under their belts.
"As a team, matagal na kaming team," the former UST Tigers mainstay said. "Kaya siguro 'yung samahan namin, 'di nga gano'n katagal, pero 'yung momentum namin, alam namin strength and weaknesses po namin."
This squad fully understands that 3x3 has historically been treated as a second-class citizen compared to the glamour of five-on-five basketball.
Yet, they remain absolutely undeterred, firmly believing that their U23 playing style chemistry offer the Philippines its most realistic shot at a podium finish at this Asian Games after the five-a-side squad bombed out.
"Para lang po makapag-represent talaga and kahit anong in what way kami makapag-represent, iti-take talaga namin 'yung opportunity regardless na 3x3 man or five-on-five," Cabanero said.
Cabanero is averaging 7.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and a team high 10.15 efficiency rating per game so far - and he hopes to leave a lasting impression here that should boost his stock once he leaves the MPBL to hopefully join the PBA draft this coming January.
“Yes, magpapa-draft na po ako. Hopefully po fans and teams see my efforts here and consider me for a spot. 5-on-5 naman po talaga ako,” he said.
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