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Barrios bares list of players making themselves available for FIBA 3x3 WC

Terrence Romeo leads the cast of the players who want to play for the Philippines in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Mike Romero (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

TAGUIG--With the Philippines hosting the FIBA 3x3 World Cup this year, everyone looks forward to the country's lineup for the said tilt.

SBP executive director Sonny Barrios said on Thursday that some players have already expressed their interest in representing the Three Stars and a Sun for the June 8-12 showcase at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, and all of them already played in international 3x3 games before.

"Actually, yang mga naglaro na dati, sina Rey Guevarra, KG [Canaleta], Calvin [Abueva], Troy [Rosario], even si [Russel] Escoto, [Glenn] Khobuntin, [Karl] Dehesa, Kiefer [Ravena], [and] Jeron [Teng]," he bared. "Pag tinanong mo sila, walang magsasabing 'Ayoko na dyan, sir.'"

But an even better news could await basketball fans as Terrence Romeo, arguably the best 3x3 player in Asia right now, also made himself available for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup despite being unavailable for Gilas in the first two FIBA World Cup Qualifier windows.

"Si Terrence nga, injured at di naglalaro, [but] noong nakita ko sa MOA noong Biyernes, inakap ako at sabi sa akin, 'Sir, wag mo akong kalimutan sa 3x3.' Sabi ko, 'Injured ka ah.' [Pero ang sagot niya,] 'Hindi, sir. Magaling na ako by that time.'" Barrios revealed how their conversation went.

However, he said that the SBP is yet to come up with its itinerary for its FIBA 3x3 WC team, but he added that it is already in its agenda.

"Sooner or later, first we name a pool, and then we have a program," Barrios said.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno