Wilcon Depot is ready to break ground as the newest PBA 3×3 club as it joins the third season of the local halfcourt league.
The team was launched on Thursday at Westin Manila, ahead of the upcoming wars set to commence on July 3-4 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Committed to play for one conference for now, the crew will be one of the two guest teams competing, the other being Pioneer Ka-Tibay.
“We are taking our commitment to another level as we venture into the basketball world,” offered Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Wilcon Depot Inc.
“Wilcon Depot’s participation in the third season of PBA 3×3 represents our passion for every Filipino homeowner and our dedication to fostering a sense of community and camaraderie,” she furthered. “This exciting endeavor allows us to further connect with our customers and sports enthusiasts alike.”
Wilcon’s first dip into sports is viewed as an opportunity to engage with a wider reach and diversify its brand presence to fulfill its mission to be more relevant to every Filipino, not only in providing home improvement products and services, but also through such activities.
“We’re proud of this endeavor and we have high hopes that our brand can fare well and compete at a high level in PBA 3×3,” said Bosch-Ong.
Led by Fil-American big man Keith Datu and multi-time PBA champion Louie Vigil, Wilcon Depot 3×3 also includes team captain Yutien Andrada, former top pick Ael Banal, and unheralded guard TH Tumalip.
“We’re grateful for this opportunity and we have our full trust that the players we have can represent Wilcon Depot well in the 3×3 stage,” said head coach Anton Altamirano.
Datu is touted as a prospective first round pick in the upcoming PBA Draft and has shown his immense potential in the past PBA 3×3 seasons, while Vigil is a three-time PBA champion with San Miguel and last played for NorthPort.
The trio of Andrada, Banal, and Tumalip, on the other hand, were all members of the two-time PBA 3×3 champion Platinum Karaoke team.
Joining Altamirano in his staff are assistant coach Matthew Sia and strength and conditioning coach Marco Yulo, with MNL Kingpin as the club’s official outfitter.
The Wilcon Depot 3×3 launch was also graced by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and PBA 3×3 tournament director Joey Guanio.
