Platinum Karaoke revamped its roster heading into the 2022-23 PBA 3×3 season, signing an array of scorers and bigs as it tries to get a breakthrough title this season.
The only holdovers from last season’s team are 6-foot-5 big man Yutien Andrada and 6-foot-1 Ael Banal.
“We are grateful to JR (Alabanza), Chris (De Chavez), Ryan (Monteclaro), and Matt (Salem) for helping us in our inaugural campaign last season. They will forever be part of Platinum,” said head coach Anton Altamirano as Alabanza and De Chavez have signed with Purefoods while Salem is still recuperating from an ACL injury. Monteclaro, meanwhile, is serving as a playing coach for fellow guest team J&T Express.
Headlining the new crop of Platinum Karaoke players is former De La Salle University big man Brandon Bates.
Bates, who stands at 6-foot-9, will be the designated Fil-foreign player on the team. He previously played for NBL1’s Sutherland.
Platinum Karaoke also picked up three dazzling scorers in TH Tumalip (formerly of Terrafirma), Nico Salva (formerly of Limitless), and Yves Sazon.
Sazon will be making his debut in the three-a-side game after making waves with MPBL club Marikina.
“The team has an exciting mix of veterans and young players this season; we’ve also got bigger this time. The team is expected to play more composed than ever, and defend better. Our veterans, along with Coach Anton are doing a great job mentoring the younger players and giving them valuable lessons on the floor. You’ll be seeing Platinum Karaoke play tougher and faster this season,” said team manager Gerber Manahan.
“The competition this season will be tough as the majority of the players in the league are now accustomed to the 3×3 game. With our lineup, the potential is really high as the boys have shown exemplary character during our training, willing to settle into the roles given to them,” added Altamirano.
