The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has sent two Philippine teams to compete in the FIBA Asia 3×3 U-18 Championship in Cyberjaya, Selangor this weekend.
The Philippines is the defending champion in the men’s division after a team that included Kobe Paras won the maiden edition and went on to participate in the 2015 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Championships.
Hosted this year by Malaysia, 12 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams will compete at the tournament put together by FIBA and the Malaysian Basketball Association (MABA) and organised by NBL Asia. It will be staged in the Gem-In shopping mall.
The first edition of the FIBA 3×3 U18 Asian Championships was held in Bangkok, Thailand from 22-24 May 2013 and saw Philippines’ men and Chinese Taipei’s women take home the titles.
Comprising the men’s team are Kyle Christian Tan, John Lloyd Clemente, John Martin Galinato, and Rhayyan Amsali. The women’s team, on the other hand, has Kristine Cayabyab, Mary Ann Cayabyab, Jenilyn Gamboa, and Cristel Mae Dizon.
Coaches are Anton Altamirano and Mark Solano
The team is also joined by SBP regional director for Region Edilberto Abalos and coach Jehtru Yao which represents the girls team from Dagupan.