SBP open to using Chooks 3x3 players in national team

MANILA, Philippines – Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) 3x3 program director Ronnie Magsanoc said players from the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 could possibly represent the Philippines in 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

"That is a big possibility," according to Magsanoc.

Magsanoc has yet to know what the federation's approach will be for the 3x3 event that will be held at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan, but Chooks players are in strong consideration, given their rankings in FIBA 3x3.

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 is home to the Top 20 players in the country, led by Joshua Munzon and Alvin Pasaol.

• READ: SBP holds successful first leg of Women’s 3x3 Tournament

Completing the top 20 are Leonard Santillan, Troy Rike, Karl Dehesa, Jaypee Belencion, Arvin Tolentino, Sean Manganti, Anton Asistio, Ron Lastimosa, Dylan Ababou, John Wilson, Larry Muyang, Roosevelt Adams, Leo De Vera, Paolo Hubalde, Jojo Cunanan, Chris De Chavez, Jan Jamon, and Rey Suerte.

"That is also an option. 'Yung mga nasa Chooks-to-Go, most of them have made it to the top 100 already," Magsanoc said. "They will always be considered even a part of the pool because of their ranking."

Magsanoc also lauded Chooks-to-Go's efforts in promoting the sport and helping the country rake points needed in chasing the Olympic dream -- Chooks' goal is to help the Philippines make it into the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"Napakalaking bagay ng ginagawa nila. Hindi pa nagagawa 'yun eh, pero sila nagawa nila," the PBA legend said.

What Magsanoc has said is a welcome development for Chooks, since league owner Ronald Mascariñas declared before that the first-of-its-kind league in the country is opening its pool of players for national team duties.

"We are publicly offering the field for SBP. All the players who played in our Chooks-to-Go league are available. Even if there’s an ongoing tournament, if the country needs our players, we will release them for the country," he said.

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