TEAM Philippines 3×3 head coach Patrick Fran wants his young squad to embrace the pressure as it battles for a spot in the Final Four of the 2026 Asian Games.
The Philippines faces either Chinese Taipei or Malaysia in the quarterfinals at 6:30 p.m. Nagoya time at the Kinjo Futo Station Square Venue, with Fran stressing that 3×3 basketball is a completely different game from the traditional 5×5 format.
“Ibang-iba. Ibang-iba,” Fran told POC Media, recalling the Philippines’ recent battles against both teams.
At last month’s FIBA 3×3 U23 Nations League in Malaysia, the Philippines went 2-1 against Chinese Taipei but struggled against Malaysia, losing both meetings.
Fran, however, believes his current Asian Games lineup is stronger with Nicael Cabañero, Koji Buenaflor and David Dungo now joining Manuel Pablo.
“So we have a better lineup now. Definitely,” Fran said.
With the Philippines already producing 19, 21 and 21 points in its first three games, Fran said the key adjustment heading into the quarterfinals will be on the defensive end.
“Ang talagang adjustment ko is to make stops, to prevent the 2-point shots,” he said.
The Philippines held Mongolia to 13 points, Sri Lanka to 12 and Kazakhstan to 15 during the pool stage.
For Fran, keeping opponents in that range could be the difference between advancing and going home.
“Ang adjustment ko talaga dito is sa depensa. 13, 12 and 15. If we can limit our opponents sa ganung score, malaking tsansa talaga na manalo tayo,” he added.
But beyond tactics, Fran is also reminding his players to appreciate the opportunity in front of them.
After meeting a Philippine rowing coach at the Athlete’s Village who had competed in seven Asian Games over 28 years but won only one bronze medal, Fran delivered a message to his young players.
“Sabi ko sa mga bata, the pressure is a privilege,” Fran said.
Fran knows the road to an Asian Games medal is difficult, but he wants his players to understand that simply having the opportunity to compete for one is something to embrace.
For now, however, Fran is keeping the team focused on the immediate task.
“Wala, ito muna, ito muna. Dito muna tayo,” Fran said.
The Philippines must first survive the quarterfinals before it can think about a potential semifinal matchup and a deeper medal run. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
