MANILA – Team Philippines will bank on height in its quest for the gold medal in the 3×3 basketball competition of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, which will start today at the San Juan Arena.
Columbian Dyip’s Jaymar Perez, Meralco Bolts’ Chris Newsome, San Miguel Beermen’s Moala Tautuaa, and Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters’ Jason Perkins have been tapped to spearhead the country in the 3×3 basketball competition.
With Perez, Newsome, Tautuaa and Perkins, the Ronnie Magsanoc-mentored Philippines looks to impose its size on the opposition as the team will have an average height of 6-foot-3 3/4 inches.
Curiously cut from the squad was Beermen guard Terrence Romeo, who showed flashes of brilliance playing for the country’s 3×3 basketball team in previous international competitions.
Also cut from the final roster were Bolts’ Baser Amer and Raymond Almazan, Magnolia Hotshots’ Chris Banchero and Ian Sangalang and Blackwater Elite’s Rey Mark Belo and Anthony Semerad.
The 3×3 basketball competition will be making its debut in the Southeast Asian Games this year.
Among the biggest threats for the Team Philippines in the two day competition were Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia./PN