MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Men capped off a remarkable campaign in the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Nations League Asia 2 competitions by securing a berth in the 2026 FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup after a dominant run in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
Competing against fellow Under-21 teams from Japan, New Zealand, Belarus, Singapore, and Malaysia, the Philippines reached the finals in five of the six stops, winning three en route to the first-place finish.
Gilas started their campaign with back-to-back wins, but they suffered a tight loss to Belarus in the Stop 1 Finals. After missing out on a podium finish for Stop 2, Gilas bounced back big time by beating Japan to win Stop 3. The young Filipino ballers made sure there was no doubt about who the best team was as they defeated New Zealand and Japan to win Stops 4 and 5 via game-winning two-point baskets.
The Philippines finished with 520 points in the tournament, 50 points clear of second-place Japan, to earn a spot in the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup, marking another significant milestone for the SBP’s rapidly growing 3x3 program.
SBP Executive Director Erika Dy emphasized that the accomplishment reflects the federation's continued investment in the 3x3 discipline and the willingness of stakeholders across Philippine basketball to work together in developing national teams.
“Earlier this year, our Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Women ended an eight-year drought to make it back to the FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Now Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Men will also end their own eight-year drought to make it back to the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup,” said Dy. “This achievement is further proof that Filipinos are world-class not just in basketball but also in 3x3. With the support of our sponsors and the commitment of stakeholders, the SBP will continue to put our athletes in positions to succeed.” Back in 2018, the group composed of RJ Abarrientos, Ricci Rivero, Rhayyan Amsali, and Jeepy Faundo finished with a 2-2 record in the pool stage to finish ninth overall out of 20 teams.
"On behalf of the SBP 3x3 program, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the schools, coaches, and team officials who supported Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 by allowing their players to represent the country,” added Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Program Director Ryan Gregorio.
“We are especially thankful to FEU Athletic Director Mark Molina and Coach Sean Chambers, who deliberately rescheduled their team’s USA training so that Cabs Cabonilas and Jedric Daa could compete in this tournament. Our sincere appreciation also goes to Boss Alfrancis Chua and Coach Pido Jarencio for generously loaning UST big man Koji Buenaflor, to Adamson head coach Nash Racela for immediately allowing Earl Medina to join the national team, and to team manager Jude Roque and Coach Yuri Escueta for permitting Jhun Dela Rama to represent Gilas even while he is in residency. Their trust, cooperation, and shared commitment to Philippine basketball embody the spirit of ‘one team, one country.’ We truly appreciate their invaluable support.” Program partner Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation and NLEX also lauded the team's achievement, highlighting the value of supporting the country's rising basketball talents on the international stage.
“We at MPTC and NLEX send our congratulations to the Gilas 3x3 Men after their successful campaign in Malaysia,” said NLEX Governor Ronald Dulatre. “We’re happy to support the SBP’s 3x3 Program from the youth teams all the way to the elite because the goal remains to be an Olympic slot for the Philippines, and investing in our young talent will pay more dividends in the future.” With a place in the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup now secured, Gilas Pilipinas turns its attention toward competing against the world's best from September 15–19 in Wuhan, China, and continuing the country’s upward trajectory in international 3x3 basketball. TMT
