3×3 Chief: PH’s preparation for Olympic qualifying “way behind”

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

With seven months left before the 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) to be held in Graz, Austria, 3×3 Pilipinas chief Eric Altamirano admitted that the country’s preparations are already running late.

Altamirano shared that the other participating teams especially the squads from Europe started earlier, specifically a few months ago compared to the PH’s 3×3 which just started now.

However, Altamirano said that they are still optimistic heading into their battle in May as all their players included in the roster are already actively playing in their respective leagues.

“Yesterday was our very first tournament compared to the other leagues sa Europe or sa ibang teams na makakalaban sa OQT. Siguro sila nakaka-tatlong buwan na sila naglalaro, and not only practicing but competing abroad, different World Tours. Admittedly, medyo way behind tayo,” Altamirano said.

Joshua Munzon and Alvin Pasaol just won the Chooks 3×3 President’s Cup preseason tournament together with Troy Rike and Santi Santillan while the half of the FIBA quartet, Moala Tautuaa and CJ Perez, are already playing in the PBA bubble.

Soon as the PBA bubble and the Chooks-to-Go 3×3 tourneys conclude, Altamirano and his 3×3 staff will be calling up all members for a potential intensive practice for the 2021 OQT.