By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced that the helm of coaching from Ronnie Magsanoc in the 3×3 Gilas Pool will be transferred to Serbian orchestrator Stefan Stojacic.
More experienced, more knowledge in the format with the international stints he had, Stojacic was a part of the Serbian lineup that won the FIBA 3×3 World Cup title for the third straight time in 2018 when the Philippines hosted the tourney.
SBP President Al Panlilio proudly announced the re-assignment alongside their revelation of Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Moala Tautaa, and CJ Perez as the lineup for the FIBA 3×3 Qualifiers.
Stojacic is actually a part of the Gilas 3×3 squad coaching staff since December and is one of the masterminds in the development of 3×3 top players such as Munzon and Pasaol.
With Tautuaa and Perez relatively new to the format, only playing in the recent 30th Southeast Asian Games 3×3 tournament, coach Stojacic is currently working out with the two to get better familiarize the players with the style of play necessary in the format.
“CJ and Mo are new players in 3×3. They played in the SEA Games but that tournament is totally different from the international level of playing 3×3. But they have quality, very good players. Now, we have to change their mindset to 3×3,” Stojacic said.
