CEBU CITY — The Philippines, thru the highly-successful Chooks-to-Go 3×3 basketball program, is not giving up on the ultimate goal of making it to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas is keeping a positive attitude.

“Sabi nga, it is impossible until it becomes possible. We will plan every inch of the way. Whatever it will take, but we’re not giving up on our ultimate objective to have a team in the 2024 Paris Olympics,” said Mascariñas during an interview at the Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3×3 World Tour Cebu Masters 2022 held at the SM Seaside City over the weekend.

“Kapag tinignan mo ngayon, napakalayo pa natin. But with proper planning, dedication, commitment, it’s doable. We still have one year. Final ranking will be around November 2023. Target natin yung fourth, fifth or sixth. Ang importante pumasok tayo sa OQT (Olympic qualifying tournament) around February 2024. Then Olympics na,” Mascariñas told sportswriters.

Asked about his plans, Mascariñas said he is looking at the possibility of tapping European players to reinforce the team’s lineup.

Mascariñas, widely considered as the “Godfather of Philippine 3×3 basketball”, said the strategy was used effectively by other Asian countries, such as Japan and Mongolia.

“Our immediate plan is to tap European imports, pati players from other countries like Latvia and Serbia. Mas affordable ang imports dun unlike in developed countries,” explained Mascariñas.

“Malaking tulong ang mga countries like Japan, India, and Thailand. Nakakapaglaro itong mga players for their livelihood and the FIBA is happy na nakakatulong sila.”

On bringing FIBA 3×3 to the Visayas, Mascariñas said Cebu was the perfect choice as venue.

“Given the past experiences natin, Cebu is always the frontrunner. Ito talaga ang center ng basketball sa Visayas. But after Cebu, I think we’ll go to at Mindanao. I think they deserve it.”

“But meron pa tayong world tour masters na sasalihan. Kung matutuloy yung sa Hong Kong, we’ll play in Hong Kong. I think that’s November.”

The Philippines is currently ranked No. 18 in the world rankings. The Chooks-to-Go sponsored Filipinos will need to maintain their place in the top 24 to get a shot at participating in the OQT.

From there, the country will need at least a top 3 finish to formally book a spot to the Paris Olympics.

Last Sunday. world No. 4 Riga of Latvia crowned itself as the champion in the Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3×3 World Tour Cebu Masters 2022.

Nauris Miezis made the big difference as Riga brought down world No. 3 Antwerp of Belgium, 21-19, in a thrilling championship match before a big weekend crowd.

The two Philippine teams — Cebu Chooks and Manila Chooks — did not have a good tournament and failed to reach the quarterfinal round.

Cebu Chooks bowed out after losing via 21-14 decision at the hands of hot- shooting Omaha 3Ball USA.

Manila, on the other hand, had to go through a qualifying draw, but could not advance after bowing to Doha QSC, 21-16.