For now, Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 can only hope that it can eventually stand toe to toe against the best 3×3 teams in the world.

The Filipinos wrapped up their heartbreaking campaign in the FIBA 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Graz, Austria without a single win as they bowed out of contention for a Tokyo Games berth.

“We will return to Manila with the thought that in time, we will be able to match up and compete with the best countries in the world,” said Gilas 3×3 head coach Ronnie Magsanoc.

Expectations were modest for the Philippines – ranked No. 20 in the world – going into the OQT as it got bunched with No. 3 Slovenia, No. 10 France, No. 26 Qatar, and No. 33 Dominican Republic.

Success, however, eluded Gilas 3×3 from the get-go.

The Philippines absorbed back-to-back lopsided defeats in its first two games, losing to Qatar, 21-12, and Slovenia, 21-11.

It did not help the Filipinos’ cause when Mo Tautuaa – the tallest player in their lineup – suffered an injury as they absorbed their third straight loss following a 22-11 beating from Dominican Republic in a battle of winless teams.

Gilas 3×3 then concluded its OQT run with a narrow 14-15 loss to France.

As the national team regroups, Magsanoc said time and preparation are “key elements.”

“Consistent international exposure will definitely add toughness and readiness for our Gilas 3×3 national players once we participate in the top level FIBA 3×3 competitions in the coming year,” Magsanoc said.

Among the events Gilas 3×3 looks to participate in, Magsanoc said, include the 2021 Asian Games in Vietnam and 2022 Asian Games in China.

Gilas 3×3 will leave Austria on Monday, May 31. – Rappler.com