HANGZHOU, China – The 3×3 men and women’s teams kick off the country’s campaign in the 19th Asian Games basketball competitions as they play their first game on Monday at the Deqing Geographic Information Park Basketball Court.
The men’s side of coach Lester Del Rosario will be the first one to take the floor at 1 p.m. against Jordan to usher the start of the half-court game in the continental showpiece.
Coach Pat Aquino and his women’s team follow later at 7:45 p.m. also against their counterparts from Jordan.
The women’s side though, is still awaiting the outcome of its last-minute appeal to have Marga Villanueva and Cielo Pagdulagan take the place of Camille Clarin and Angel Surada.
Comprising the men’s team are Justine Sanchez, Jaylen Isagani Stevens, Drex John Leir, Delos Reyes, and John Ray Pasaol, younger brother of Meralco player Alvin Pasaol.
It’s the first time the Philippines is sending entries in both the men and women’s 3×3 competitions.
As first timers, Del Rosario is keeping his expectations.
“Laban lang ang mga bata,” said the former University of Santo Tomas stalwarts and son of the late legendary coach Aric Del Rosario.
“We only have a short preparation, pero marami naman din kaming nagawa.”
