Though they failed in their first attempt to secure a ticket to the 2019 FIBA 3X3 World Tour Masters Doha, the 1Bataan Risers still have a shot at making it to the biggest club tourney series in the world.
After finishing as runners-up in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup, the Risers picked up one of the two slots for the world’s first-ever Super Quest tournament, the Asia Pacific Super Quest.
“Sobrang tuwa din namin dahil kasama pa rin kami sa Super Quest,” said Alvin Pasaol, the country’s fourth-ranked 3×3 player.
However, 1Bataan will figure in the tournament’s group of death.
To start their campaign on Saturday, April 6 at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall, the Risers will face Hong Kong’s Anytour M1 at 12:40 pm. After a two-hour break, 1Bataan then take on the 19th best squad in the world 3×3.Exe Premier.
The Hong Kong-based club team in this tournament will feature three American players headlined by former Alab Pilipinas import Reggie Okosa.
On the other hand, the Japanese squad will have Japan’s top player Tomoya Ochiai and 45th best player in the world, Serbian Petar Perunovic.
With this tall task, Pasaol and Santi Santillan will be joined by two reinforcements.
Serving as a guest player for the Risers is Vigan Baluarte Wolves’ Karl Dehesa, who was part of the Philippines’ World Championship team back in 2016.
“I’m very excited to be back on this stage and see some familiar faces. The environment is going to be electric. I’m just excited to face the top competition in the region,” said Dehesa.
In addition, 6-foot-6 American Travis Franklin was tapped as the team’s import.
“It’s different, it’s an open game that sees scorers thrive. But at the end of the day, it’s basketball and I love this game,” shared Franklin, who is a neophyte in the 3×3 game.
Wanting to represent the country in the world stage, 1Bataan vow that they will not back down against their opponents come the Super Quest.
“Expectation ko lang talaga yung pagiging physical nila. Pero nandito yung pagkakaisa namin. Kami ni Alvin, magkakampi kami sa liga. Si Kuya Karl naman ang dami niyang experience, tapos si Kuya Travis iniinvolve niya talaga kami,” Santillan said.
“Alam ko, papalag kami.”
“Siguro dagdag pressure din dahil malalakas ang mga makakalaban namin sa Super Quest, pero kakayanin namin kasi nire-represent namin ang Pilipinas,” Pasaol added.
“Laban pa rin kami.”
The Super Quest will air on FIBA 3×3’s YouTube channel and on ESPN5
