FORMER GROWLING Tiger Nic Cabañero and senior forward Gelo Crisostomo will spearhead the four-man Gilas Pilipinas 3X3 roster in the 2026 Asian Beach Games 3X3 basketball tournament on April 25-29 in Sanya, China.
The lineup was confirmed through a social media announcement by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Wednesday, April 22.
Cabañero and Crisostomo will be joined by Aldous Torculas of the San Beda Red Lions and veteran guard Jeff Manday of Caloocan Batang Kankaloo.
Fresh off his final year with UST as a part of the Elite Team, Cabañero continues to build his momentum in his professional campaign, having suited up for Biñan Tatak Gel in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Crisostomo adds height and versatility in the national 3×3 squad. The fourth-year forward is currently averaging 11 points, seven rebounds and one assist in the ongoing New South Academic Conference College Basketball Tour 2026.
The Philippines will battle a deep field featuring 15 other Asian squads, including Bahrain, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and host country China.
The 2026 Asian Beach Games officially commenced on Wednesday, April 22, while the 3X3 basketball tournament will start on Saturday, April 25, at the Sanya Sports Center Gymnasium. F
