BULACAN, Philippines – Despite failing to advance to the quarterfinals, the 3×3 World Cup debutants revealed that they only had 11 days of practice to prepare for the competition. 

This just proved that it is an understatement to say that Gilas Pilipinas just clinched two wins in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 when these were from world No. 3 Russia and No. 8 Brazil. 

“It’s obvious to see how much promise there is, practicing 11 times and competing unexperienced (sic). We beat the [6th-ranked] team in the [tournament],  the number 3 in the world by a high margin and Brazil could’ve been even higher,” said Christian Standhardinger. 

For the 6-foot-8 Filipino-German, he only attended 5 out of the 11 practices due to his knee injury and was even doubtful of joining the World Cup. 

“I was cheering for them at the side, I told them to shoot the ball 100,000 times. I take at least 50% credit of his (Roger Pogoy’s) two-pointers,” joked Standhardinger during the post-game press conference on Monday, June 11. 

Philippines opened its 3×3 World Cup campaign with a dominant win over Brazil, but failed to sustain its momentum when the nationals lost to Mongolia. 

Gilas Pilipinas was at striking distance from defeating Canada, but pressure from the  lack of experience hampered them locking down the lead. The loss sent the nationals tumbling out of quarterfinals contention. 

The national squad managed to end its 3×3 World Cup stint on a high note by trouncing Russia. 

With more practice and another set of opportunities moving forward, all 4 Gilas Cadets would want to team up again and improve from the chemistry they harnessed during the tournament. 

“They space the floor, and you know, when I penetrate, if anybody tries to help, boom, pass to Troy, pass to Pogoy. Christian is a bully inside. It was really the team effort. Man, we just complement each other really well,” said Pringle about his team’s chemistry. – Rappler.com