Gilas Boys clinch FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup berth after dominant Youth Nations League run

Gilas Pilipinas Boys secured their place in the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Under-23 World Cup while capping a remarkable Youth Nations League–Asia 2 Conference campaign with a thrilling championship victory over Japan on Sunday at Hextar World, Empire City.

The Philippines defeated Japan, 19-18, in overtime to capture the sixth and final stop title, completing a dominant run that saw the team qualify for the World Cup in Wuhan, China, scheduled for September 15 to 19.

Already needing only a finals appearance in the final stop to guarantee a World Cup berth, Gilas delivered a strong performance from the pool stage before finishing the tournament with its third stop championship.

The Filipinos opened the day with a 17-11 win over New Zealand and followed it up with a 20-9 rout of Singapore to advance to the final and secure the minimum 500 points needed for qualification. Japan, the closest challenger in the standings, could only reach a maximum of 490 points.

Gilas then sealed the milestone with a dramatic overtime victory against Japan.

Cabs Cabonilas hit the game-winning two-pointer to complete the comeback and give the Philippines the final stop crown.

The Filipinos appeared ready to close out the game in regulation after building a 16-12 advantage with 1:13 left, but Japan’s Teruchika Naito drilled a two-pointer to force overtime.

Naito later sank a free throw to put Japan within reach of the championship before missing a potential title-clinching shot from deep. Cabonilas grabbed the rebound and calmly converted the decisive two-pointer to secure the victory.

Koji Buenaflor led Gilas in the final with seven points, while Jhuniel Dela Rama added six. Cabonilas and Jedric Daa chipped in three points each.

Takumi Ii paced Japan with nine points, while Naito finished with seven.

Cabonilas was instrumental throughout the day, scoring six points in the win over New Zealand, where Daa and Buenaflor added five points apiece. He then erupted for 13 points in the victory over Singapore.

Earl Medina sat out the final day, with Dela Rama taking his place in the lineup.

The championship capped an outstanding campaign for the Gilas Boys under SBP 3x3 program director Ryan Gregorio, along with trainers Kirk Collier, JJ Española, and Patrick Fran. The Philippines reached the final in five of the six stops, missed the championship game only once, and collected three stop titles.

The Philippines finished first in the overall standings with 520 points, ahead of Japan (470), New Zealand (430), Belarus (405), Singapore (305), and Malaysia (300).

Gregorio expressed his appreciation to the schools, coaches, and officials who supported the national team by allowing players to compete for Gilas Pilipinas 3x3.

"On behalf of the SBP 3x3 program, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the schools, coaches, and team officials who supported Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 by allowing their players to represent the country," Gregorio said.

He also recognized the support of FEU Athletic Director Mark Molina and coach Sean Chambers, who adjusted their team's USA training schedule to allow Veejay Cabonilas and Jedric Daa to participate; Boss Alfrancis Chua and coach Pido Jarencio for lending UST big man Koji Buenaflor; Adamson coach Nash Racela for allowing Earl Medina to join the national team; and team manager Jude Roque and coach Yuri Escueta for permitting Jhuniel Dela Rama to represent Gilas.

"Their trust, cooperation, and shared commitment to Philippine basketball embody the spirit of 'one team, one country.' We truly appreciate their invaluable support," he added.

The qualification marks only the third FIBA 3x3 Under-23 World Cup appearance for the Philippines. Last year, the women's team composed of Kacey Dela Rosa, Tin Cayabyab, Cheska Apag, and Cielo Pagdulagan represented the country in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Gilas Pilipinas Girls, made up of Alyssa Rodriguez, Elaine Patio, Kristan Yumul, and Marga Villanueva, finished fifth overall in the conference standings with 350 points.