SBP open to call up Chooks 3x3 players for SEA Games

Could Karl Dehesa get another national team callup again? It might happen, according to the SBP.

Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 players may get the chance to represent the country in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

"That is a big possibility," according to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas 3x3 Program Director Ronnie Magsanoc, although he admitted that he has yet to figure out what the federation's approach is for the event, which will take place at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Magsanoc did acknowledge that Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 are "in strong consideration," noting their FIBA 3x3 rankings. He shares, "That is also an option. Yung mga nasa Chooks-to-Go, most of them have made it to the top one-hundred already. They will always be considered even a part of the pool because of their ranking."

The top 20 Filipinos in the rankings all play in the league, led by Joshua Munzon of Pasig Grindhouse and Alvin Pasaol of Bataan Risers.

Completing the top 20 are Leonard Santillan, Troy Rike, Karl Dehesa, Jaypee Belencion, Arvin Tolentino, Sean Manganti, Anton Asistio, Ron Lastimosa, Dylan Ababou, John Wilson, Larry Muyang, Roosevelt Adams, Leo De Vera, Paolo Hubalde, Jojo Cunanan, Chris De Chavez, Jan Jamon, and Rey Suerte.

Magsanoc also praised Chooks-to-Go with their efforts in helping the Philippines gain the necessary points in order to get themselves into a position to qualify for the upcoming 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. He says, "Napakalaking bagay ng ginagawa nila. Hindi pa nagagawa yun eh, pero sila nagawa nila."

The league, led by its owner Ronald Mascariñas, has made it clear that they will make themselves available for national team duties. The BAVI head says, "We are publicly offering the field for SBP. All the players who played in our Chooks-to-Go league are available. Even if there’s an ongoing tournament, if the country needs our players, we will release them for the country."