BULACAN, Philippines – Moving forward from the country’s hosting of the 3×3 World Cup 2018 stint, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will now take another look at 3×3 basketball that will eventually pioneer a national 3×3 elite team. 

“I think SBP has to really think through and brainstorm how we can build up a different program for 3×3,” said SBP president Al Panlilio. 

“The answer might be a dedicated team for 3×3.” 

The Gilas Cadets finished the tournament with a 2-2 record – highlighed by their win over world No. 3 Russia. Even with a lack of experience, the nationals almost took the games from Pool C quarterfinalists Mongolia and Canada, who slipped away to end Philippines’ campaign. 

On the other hand, Perlas Pilipinas had a winless stint in its 3×3 World Cup debut. However, the women’s basketball team drew the attention  of fans with its cardiac games against the best in the world. 

“I just had a meeting with Alex Sanchez of FIBA, and he’s encouraging us to really take a look at 3×3, and he believes we have a big chance to even be in the Top 10, easily,” recalled Panlilio. 

With the creation of an elite team in the future, SBP hopes that it will promote 3×3 basketball as a career, following the footsteps of the world’s number one 3×3 player Dusan Bulut. 

“We can definitely create a career for 3×3 players,” said Panlilio. 

“I mean, No. 1 player in the world from Serbia, si Dusan Bulut is just dedicated to the 3×3. He earns money, he earns money playing the game, he earns money through the tournaments that he joins, and if they win the prize money, that’s earning, and he also gets endorsements.” – Rappler.com