Gilas Pilipinas Men in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 3x3 basketball tournament. Photo courtesy of Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Media Pool.The Gilas Pilipinas Men are off to a strong start in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, but the Filipino hoopers are leaving no room for error as they move forward with their campaign.
After overcoming Mongolia and Sri Lanka on Monday, Gilas now turns its attention to Kazakhstan as its last assignment in the pool stage, and big man Luis Pablo is upbeat about their chances given their momentum.
“Yes, confident, pero at the same time, we don't underestimate any opponents,” said Pablo, who had six points and two rebounds against Sri Lanka.
Kazakhstan boasts one win after two games, having won against Sri Lanka before losing to Mongolia, and for Pablo, getting their third straight win would be a matter of who wants it more.
“Dito sa 3x3, any team can win,” he stressed. “Just like in 5-on-5, it's more on who wants it more and who's willing to put more effort to win.”
On the other hand, star scorer Nic Cabañero noted that Gilas’ defense will be key moving forward.
Despite leading the team in scoring through two games with 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds, Cabañero said that limiting their opponents on defense will be their priority given how fast 3-on-3 basketball is played.
“Yung defense talaga magdadala sa amin ng panalo,” he said. “So we just need to stay composed.”
Gilas will return to action on Wednesday, September 23, to close out the pool stage against Kazakhstan.
RELATED VIDEO: