By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) decided to hand over the reins to PBA legend Ronnie Magsanoc as the chief orchestrator of the Gilas 3×3 Olympic qualifier.
Armed with bountiful experience coaching in the 3×3 format since 2018, Magsanoc will try to lift the Gilas roster to the Olympic level.
No stranger to the 3×3 scene, Magsanoc previously coached the 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup, 2018 FIBA 3×3 Shanghai Challenger, 2018 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup, and the 2019 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup teams. The level of experience Magsanoc had in dealing with the play-style of different countries was also a key factor in SBP ultimately deciding to put him in the position.
Moreover, Magsanoc’s stint as the head coach of the Gilas 3×3 will be made easier as his pool in the upcoming qualifiers comprise of the top 3×3 players of the country from the Chooks to Go Pilipinas squad.
Joshua Munzon, the country’s top 3×3 player, will be front-lining the roster together with 3×3 veteran Alvin Pasaol, Santi Santillan, and Karl Dehesa.
The qualifiers will begin this March 18-22, 2020 in India where 3 slots for the Olympics will be vied for.
