FORMER UST Growling Tigers teammates Nic Cabañero and Koji Buenaflor reunite as they join the Philippines’ 3×3 squad for the 2026 Asian Games.
The participation of the two Thomasian cagers in the regional tournament was confirmed to The Flame by former Gilas 3×3 member Gelo Crisostomo on Monday, Sept. 7.
Cabañero, now playing for Biñan Tatak Gel in the MPBL, and Buenaflor, who remains with UST, were teammates for a season with the Growling Tigers in UAAP Season 88.
They will join De La Salle duo Doy Dungo and Luis Pablo to form the Philippine 3×3 unit for the Asiad.
Sophomore Buenaflor previously suited up for the Philippines’ U-21 team that secured qualification for the FIBA 3×3 World Cup on Sept. 15 to 19, in Wuhan, China.
Cabañero recently represented Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 at the Asian Beach Games.
The 3×3 competition of the Asian Games will tip off on Sept. 21 at Kinio-futo Station Square. F
