Gilas 3x3 silver sparks Olympic fire

MANILA, Philippines — The Gilas Pilipinas women’s recent historic silver medal performance in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in Singapore is an indication the country’s dream of making it to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is not remote at all.

“To be the best Asian team in the Asia Cup is certainly a big honor,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Ricky Vargas. “They competed with skill, but you could really feel the passion in their game.”

“This is a big boost to SBP’s hopes of making it to the LA Olympics in 2028,” he added.

SBP program director Ryan Gregorio agrees.

“We’re looking at this event as a watershed moment for SBP’s 3x3 program, the women’s team has developed into a medal contender,” he said. “The key was the commitment from our partners in the professional and collegiate ranks in opening their doors to us, along with the support of our sponsors who believe in the program and our hopes of qualifying for the 2028 LA Olympics.”

The squad’s mettle will be tested anew as it faces tougher competition in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier this weekend in Singapore where the top three will advance straight to the World Cup set this June in Warsaw, Poland.

The Filipinas are bracketed in Pool B with the Brazilians and host Singaporeans.

Also fighting for Warsaw slots are Hungary, Lithuania and Egypt.

Kacey dela Rosa, Mikka Cacho, Afril Bernardino and Chezka Apag should see action in Singapore although Reynalyn Ferrer is on the official list.