With Christian Standhardinger declared fit and ready, Gilas Pilipinas is set to kick off its campaign as the FIBA 3×3 World Cup fires off today at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Earlier hampered with uncertainties due to Standhardinger’s injury, the Philippine men’s 3×3 team is finally “good to go” to test its mettle against world powerhouse Brazil at 3:10 pm and Mongolia at 6:40 pm.
No less than Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio confirmed Standhardinger’s status after he was sidelined with a swollen left knee in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and national team training the past week.
The 6-foot-8 Filipino-German sustained a patellofemoral and illiotibial band syndrome on his left knee, prompting him to miss the Beermen’s past two matches, including a 129-117 win over Columbian Dyip on Wednesday where he admitted that his participation in the most competitive 3×3 event in the world was in peril.
“There’s no guarantee. But I can say that I will try everything in my power to play,” said Standhardinger, who was tested negative of any ligament tear following a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on his left knee.
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But Antonio said his injury is healed and Standhardinger can now suit up to power the home team in this tourney that is now part of the Olympic calendar.
“Yes, Christian will be playing. Our lineup is intact. We’re good to go,” said Antonio, adding that Stanley Pringle of Globalport and Troy Rosario and Roger Pogoy of Talk N’ Text are all pumped up to back up the San Miguel Beer rookie.
In fact, the squad was in full force in its previous training with coach Ronnie Magsanoc last Wednesday and Thursday at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City.
“With Ronnie steering the ship, hopefully we pull off some surprise,” Antonio said.
Gilas take a break tomorrow before resuming their bid against Canada and Russia on Monday to cap their Pool C campaign.
Perlas Pilipinas, meanwhile, is competing against Netherlands and Germany on opening day of the women’s division.
Bannering the 20th-seeded national women’s squad are collegiate stars Jack Animam, Afril Bernardino, Gemma Miranda and Janine Pontejos.
Touted as heavy underdogs, the Filipinas will rest today before wrapping up their Pool D campaign against Hungary and Spain.
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