Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Unbeaten Run Ends in Double Heartbreak
For a brief, intoxicating moment at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 team looked like they had cracked the code. The makeshift quartet went completely undefeated all the way into the semifinals, before reality—and the unforgiving nature of the half-court format—delivered a familiar dose of tournament heartbreak.
The Philippines dropped their semifinal encounter against South Korea, then fell short of a podium finish after a defeat to Iran in the bronze medal match. Yet despite ending the tournament just outside medal contention, UST sophomore forward Koji Buenaflor looked back on the campaign with immense gratitude.
“Sobrang ganda lang din ng experience para sa career namin, bawat isa,” Buenaflor said, reflecting on the whirlwind international tournament.
From UAAP Battlegrounds to Fast Brotherhood
What made the Gilas 3×3 campaign distinct was the rapid transformation in team chemistry. Just one week prior to suiting up in Nagoya, Buenaflor and the UST Growling Tigers were busy grinding out an 80-75 victory over the defending champion De La Salle Green Archers in UAAP Season 89. Days later, Buenaflor was sharing the floor with DLSU duo Luis Pablo and Doy Dungo, alongside former UST teammate Nic Cabañero.
Bridging collegiate hostilities usually requires diplomacy, but according to the 6-foot-7 forward, the squad bypassed the awkwardness after a couple of tentative practices.
“Alam mo ‘yun, parang noong nakaraang araw lang magkalaban lang kami, ta’s may intimidation pa na nangyayari,” Buenaflor shared. “Pero noong nagsasama-sama na kami, siguro mga first two days, medyo may mga hiya-hiya pa. Pero beyond that journey, ang ganda rin ng pinakita namin, may brotherhood din na nabuo.”
Building Blocks for the 3x3 Program
Buenaflor, who entered the competition as the FIBA-ranked No. 2 Filipino 3×3 player with previous experience in the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League, believes the squad's performance demonstrated genuine promise for the country's half-court blueprint.
- Tournament path: Undefeated group stage run through to the semifinals before consecutive losses to South Korea and Iran.
- Roster makeup: Koji Buenaflor (UST), Nic Cabañero, Luis Pablo (DLSU), and Doy Dungo (DLSU).
- Immediate takeaway: High competitive upside despite minimal preparation time together.
“With the current pool of players na we have, I think malaking chance na makapag-compete yung Philippines internationally,” the San Jose del Monte native noted. “Of course, siyempre iba ang feeling na makapag-represent ng Pilipinas. So anytime I’m available, maglalaro ako.”
While missing out on an Asiad medal is a tough pill to swallow, the unexpected chemistry and semifinal run provide a viable foundation if national program organizers decide to keep this young core intact moving forward.
