Philippine FIBA 3x3 teams to don LeBron James’ ‘Agimat’ kicks

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ teams are plunging into action in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup armed to the teeth, all thanks to an “Agimat.”

Gilas and Perlas Pilipinas cagers are set to take the Philippine Arena this Friday in the Nike Soldier 12 “Agimat,” the second iteration of LeBron James’ signature sneakers that are given a Filipino treatment.

Top PBA draft pick and many-time Gilas big man Christian Standhardinger banners the men’s squad, which sees action on Saturday. He is joined by equally grizzled veteran Gilas teammates Troy Rosario and Roger Pogoy. Stanley Pringle, whose isolation play has long dazzled the PBA, is also set to bolster the lineup, which joins the tournament’s “Group of Death.”

*New LeBron James 'Agimat' shoes to hit Philippine market*  (please enter on related stories)

Two UAAP women’s Most Valuable Players in Afril Bernardino and Jack Daniella Animam will lead the Philippine crew in the distaff side — a team assembled and prepared on short notice. They will be joined by Janine Pontejos and Gemma Miranda.

The Philippine women’s squad will see action first this Friday afternoon. They face Netherlands at 2:50 p.m. and then Germany at 6:40 p.m.

The cagers are set to debut the Pinoy-inspired kicks ahead of a global release on June 15.

For more FIBA 3x3 World Cup content, follow PhilStar.com Sports and this reporter on Twitter: @starsportshub and @sonrd.