ALLAN THE MAN

Buoyed by the success of the Philippine youth team in international 3×3 competitions, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will focus on pursuing programs in the discipline with guidance from world governing body FIBA.

“It’s the in the Philippines where 3×3 basketball became popular, and in fact FIBA wants us to play a more active role in this and wants to use us as model, probably by hosting future international tournaments,” Barrios said in a telephone interview.

This year, the 3×3 team of Kobe Paras, Prince Rivero, Thirdy Ravena, and Arvin Tolentino won the Asian title to qualify for the world championship.

Barrios noted that the halfcourt game is popular throughout the whole basketball-crazy nation.

“Yung 3×3, hindi na bago sa atin yan. In fact, sa atin siya sumikat. Dito nagsimula yung naglalaro ka ng tatluhan tapos yung matatalong team, susuot sa kalaban,” said Barrios.

The Philippines has been in FIBA’s good graces since successfully hosting the FIBA Asia Championship last August, and the officials were impressed by online photos of street kids in the country playing halfcourt three-on-three basketball.

Barrios noted that while programs are in place for young boys, there haven’t as been as much attention for young girls.

“Medyo kulang pa tayo sa development ng women players, so dito rin natin sisimulaan sa 3×3,” said Barrios.

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