The stage is set for the world’s first-ever Super Quest, the Chooks-to-Go 3×3 Asia Pacific Super Quest.
At stake in this FIBA 3×3-endorsed regional meet are two tickets for the 2019 FIBA World Tour Masters Doha; a ticket to the FIBA 3×3 Challengers Penang; two tickets to the FIBA 3X3 Challengers Kunshan; and a total of USD 50,000.
Two Philippine clubs are set to take part in this level eight-tourney, which will take place at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall from April 6 to 7.
Champions of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup Pasig Grindhouse Kings headline Pool C, with the quartet of Joshua Munzon, Taylor Statham, Troy Rike, and Serbian import Nikola Pavlovic facing Indonesia’s Jakarta West Bandits at 11:40 a.m. and Taipei’s Absolute 3×3 Basketball at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.
“I think we are as ready as we can be. We have been preparing for the last three months for this,” said Statham. “Me, Troy, and Josh have played together, and we have some great players who have been helping us out. We know that we can compete with the world’s best.”
President’s Cup runners-up 1Bataan Risers – fielding mainstays Alvin Pasaol and Santi Santillan, together with guest player Karl Dehesa and American import Travis Franklin – will take on the American-laden Anytours M1 of Hong Kong at 12:40pm and 19th-ranked squad in the world Tokyo Dime of Japan in Pool B.
“Ito na yung bunga ng pinaghirapan namin, kaya expect niyo na lalaban kami,” declared Pasaol. “Hindi lang ang sarili namin ang nire-represent namin dito, kung hindi ang buong Pilipinas.”
Composing Pool A are Mongolia’s Ulaanbataar, Australia’s TSV Reading Cinemas, and Korea’s Enerskin.
On the other hand, New Zealand’s Aotearoa, Vietnam’s Saigon Aces, and China’s SSLC complete Pool D.
For league commissioner Eric Altamirano, who has handled a lot of national 3×3 teams, the two Philippine squads are more than ready to compete against the region’s best and finest.
“I’ve never been in a 3×3 tournament na we have sent teams that are more prepared than these two. Before, last minute lang yung teams na pinapadala,” admitted Altamirano. “We’ve given them enough time to be ready since they are playing in a real 3×3 league. I’m confident that they can compete with the international teams.”
The top two teams in each pool will advance to the knockout playoffs on Sunday.
