MANILA – Ricci Rivero of University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons is part of the national team that will compete in the 2018 FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup from Oct. 3 to 7 in Xi’an, China.
Chosen along with Rivero were Rhayyan Amsali of San Beda College Red Lions, RJ Abarrientos of Far Eastern University Tamaraws and former University of Santo Tomas player Jeepy Faundo.
The Philippine 3×3 team – seeded No. 19 out of the 20 teams in the competition – will face top-seed Serbia and Slovenia on Wednesday, and then China and Turkeminstan on Friday.
Rivero will make his second appearance in 3×3 play abroad. He has also played in the FIBA 3×3 Under-18 World Championships in 2015.
Amsali also has a 3×3 experience before. He donned the national colors at the FIBA Under-18 3×3 World Cup in Chengdu, China in 2017.
Abarrientos and Faundo are first-timers.
“Ricci and Rhayyan have played 3×3 before. Now we have to introduce Jeepy and RJ to the intricacies of the game,” said head coach Ronald Magsanoc. “It’s not totally different but the approach is not similar to 5-on-5.”
“It’s all about making them understand that we can be competitive,” he said. “The odds are against us, but it’s always been that way. I’d rather play as an underdog than a favorite.”
For his part, assistant coach Xavi Nunag said, “We’ll be ready, but at the same time, the boys need to understand that this is a game of physicality and endurance. That’s something they’ll have to experience firsthand.”/PN
