There are only two teams in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup that have defeated the 1Bataan Risers.
The only squads that have beaten the two-leg champions are second tour champions Pasig Grindhouse Kings and the lowly Marikina Shoemasters.
Prior to the second leg of the country’s only 3×3 basketball league, the Shoemasters had managed to rack up only 56 points – third-to-the-last in the 12 team league.
Come to the third tour last Friday at the SM Fairview Events Center, Marikina were able to get a much needed a boost. And it came in the form of actor/aspiring cager Gerald Anderson.
Though there was much hype over his entry because of his popularity off the court, he made sure to justify it on the halfcourt.
The 29-year-old dropped 11 of Marikina’s 17 points in their stunning upset of 1Bataan.
1Bataan’s Alvin Pasaol and Santi Santillan admitted that they were in awe when they saw Anderson on the floor. But the feeling was mutual.
“Mas na-starstruck ako sa kanila yung mga players kilala ko, yung iba kalaro ko sa MPBL, so it’s very surreal na nakalaro ako sa ganitong level.”
It did not show in the game, though, as Anderson was all over the place in the game, including knocking down the dagger that handed Marikina their first victory.
However, the Shoemasters were not able to follow it up against the Zamboanga Valientes.
Still, it was an experience of a lifetime for the Fil-Am guard.
“It’s privilege para sa akin na I get to play with the best players sa buong Pilipinas.
“Just to be able to compete okay naman, sobrang sarap! Ang laking fulfillment para sa akin,” he expressed.
Asked how he would grade himself, Anderson was particularly harsh, giving a “B-plus” mark.
“But yeah okay naman for a first 3×3 game ko ‘to. I think as a team okay naman kami, medyo kinapos lang kami sa last game but you know learning experience,” he reflected.
As a dreamer, Anderson hopes that he can return to the halfcourt for the last two remaining legs of the President’s Cup. If not, he has at least proven that he belongs.
