Two of the biggest names in Philippine 3×3 basketball joined forces to lead the Pilipinas 3×3 tryouts held on Wednesday at the Ground Zero Sports and Fitness Hub in Mandaue City, Cebu.
Chico Lanete, who has guided multiple professional 3×3 squads in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, and former TNT Triple Giga head coach Mau Belen, the tactician behind the PBA 3×3 dynasty, oversaw the selection process that drew 25 aspirants—all standing at least six feet tall.
Organized by Melmac Sports in collaboration with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the tryouts aimed to discover new talent capable of competing on the world stage.
Cebu, having hosted two FIBA 3×3 Masters events in recent years, reaffirmed its status as the country’s hotbed for 3×3 hoops.
Lanete, a local 3×3 legend himself, expressed excitement over the turnout.
“Ang saya makita na buhay na buhay pa rin ang 3×3 dito sa Cebu. Ang daming talent na nakita namin ni Coach Mau na puwede naming ma-develop para sa World Tour,” he said.
For Belen, the gathering of top basketball minds and players represented a long-held vision.
“It has always been my dream to see all the stakeholders come together for the beautiful game that is 3×3 basketball. Hopefully, this will be the start of the golden age of Philippine 3×3,” she shared.
During the event, the 25 hopefuls underwent rigorous drills and competitive scrimmages, each vying for a spot in the next phase of the Pilipinas 3×3 program.
