Three months before the return of the World Tour Masters in Manila, the International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) head of 3×3 basketball Ignacio Soriano arrived in the country to inspect preparations.
And it’s a special tournament for FIBA, since it marks the return of the World Tour here thanks to Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3. The FIBA 3X3 Chooks-to-Go Manila Masters takes place from May 2-3 at SM Megamall Fashion Hall in Pasig City.
“For us, Chooks-to-Go has been having excellent 3×3 activities. Last year, they sent teams in the World Tour,” said Soriano.
“So, we believe that it’s a great move to be back here with Chooks-to-Go on our side. 3×3 really belongs here.”
Because of Chooks-to-Go, the Philippines has its own local 3×3 league. Besides this, the league also sent teams to numerous World Tour Masters and Challengers, while hosting events like the world’s first-ever Super Quest and the Manila Challenger.
This paved the way for the country to rack up points, eventually leading the country to a berth to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament this March in India.
“2019 has been a special year for the Philippines in 3×3. Chooks-to-Go has been a great partner in pushing the sport to grow,” continued Soriano.
“2020 is going to be much more special for the Philippines.”
With this, FIBA 3×3 and Chooks-to-Go strengthened their ties for another banner year.
Besides heavily preparing for the OQT, the group headed by Ronald Mascariñas is also preparing for the 2020 season of its league, which begins in March. In addition, Chooks-to-Go has also partnered with the Women’s National Basketball League for a tournament for the country’s female cagers.
As a sign of its commitment to Chooks-to-Go, Soriano gave Mascariñas a Tissot watch, the official timekeeper of FIBA 3×3.
“The main purpose of this is to discuss our preparation for the Manila Masters. We are just so glad that FIBA is strengthening its ties with us,” said the president of Bounty Agro Ventures Inc.
For his part, Mascariñas can’t wait to welcome the world’s top 3×3 teams to the country, including reigning World Tour champion Novi Sad of Serbia and world no. 9 Sakiai Guldel of Lithuania.
“It’s really a treat for Filipino basketball fans as the best clubs in the world are playing on our soil. It will also be a huge boost for our points, this time for the Paris Olympics.”
