Magsanoc is Gilas 3×3 Olympic qualifier coach

Ronnie Magsanoc will call the shots for Gilas 3×3 pool in the Olympic qualifiers (cnnphilippines.com)

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.