Not wanting to risk Sean Manganti’s health, the 1Bataan Risers have opted to sit out Sean Manganti for the third tour of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup on Friday, March 1 at the SM Fairview Events Center.
The 6-foot-5 product of Adamson University injured his right ankle during the finals of the second leg after landing squarely on Joshua Munzon’s foot with 5:11 left in the game. Manganti tried to play through it but the Pasig Grindhouse Kings were still able to eke out a 21-18.
“All the adrenaline, you can’t really feel it. It hurts though but I had to play through that,” said Manganti.
Stepping up in place of Manganti is 1Bataan reserve Chito Jaime. The 6-foot-4 Bataan-native is an 11-year pro out of AMA Computer University.
Bataan is slotted in Group B together with the Zamboanga Valientes MLV and the Marikina Shoemasters, who once again activated both Jondan Salvador and Gerald Anderson.
Leading Group A are Bataan’s arch-rivals Pasig. Joining Pasig are Max4-Cebu Birada and the Bacoor Strikers, who will field both Gab Banal and RJ Ramirez for the first time.
After making the Final Four last leg, the San Juan Knights-Go for Gold will get Mac Cardona back, who replaced big man Larry Muyang for the leg. Poolmates Vigan Baluarte Wolves and Bulacan Kuyas will see the returns of Christian Singson and James Martinez, respectively.
Pool D will see a tough group that will have both Carga Valenzuela Classic and Pasay Voyagers in it. Carga Valenzuela though will not have the services of Big Mac Andaya for the tour. On the other hand, the Quezon City-Zark’s Jawbreakers replaced streaky scorer Paulo Castro for versatile big Chris Lalata.
Competing in the Gameville Slam Dunk competition are Franky Johnson, Gian Abrigo, and viral sensation Darwin Cantong.
