GILAS Pilipinas men’s 3×3 is preparing for a tougher test against Kazakhstan on Wednesday after opening the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with two straight wins.
The Philippines improved to 2-0 in Pool A after defeating Mongolia 19-12 and Sri Lanka, 21-12, on Monday, but Andrei Dungo knows the team needs to make adjustments before its next assignment.
Dungo pointed to the playing conditions as one of the factors Gilas will need to manage.
“Siguro sa amin, mag-adjust kami sa court na pinaglalaruan kasi mahangin,” said Dungo.
The Gilas guard added that the team will spend the next two days studying Kazakhstan’s tendencies.
“Kami, pag-aaralan talaga namin iyung mga strengths nila, weaknesses nila para pagdating sa Wednesday, let’s decide.”
Pablo, meanwhile, acknowledged Kazakhstan’s loss to Mongolia but refused to read too much into the result.
“Yes, confident, pero at the same time, we don’t underestimate any opponents,” said Pablo.
The Philippine guard emphasized that 3×3 can produce unpredictable results, making preparation and effort crucial.
“Dito sa 3×3, any team can win. Just like in 5×5, it’s more on who wants it more and who’s willing to put more effort to win,” Pablo added
Despite the confidence, Pablo said Gilas will remain committed to playing together when the Kazakhstan game arrives.
“Confident kami na coming into the game, we will play for each other, we will give our best. Magtutulungan kami on and off the court no matter what. Sama-sama kami,” Pablo said.
With Kazakhstan next, Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 looks to turn its perfect opening day into a 3-0 start and strengthen its position in Pool A (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
