The revival of pioneering 3×3 league Pilipinas 3×3 headed into full swing on Friday as key basketball stakeholders convened to reignite the country’s professional 3×3 scene.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy and Pilipinas 3×3 founder Mel Macasaquit met with FIBA 3×3 managing director Alex Sanchez during the Asia Cup 2025 in Singapore, where they discussed plans to rekindle the sport once more.
“It’s good to see Alex again, and he is excited about our plans. With ED Erika initiating participation in the pro circuit, we definitely have a good head start for a better campaign in qualifying for the LA 2028 Olympics,” said Macasaquit, who played a crucial role in the establishment of 3×3 basketball in the Philippines.
Macasaquit was the architect behind the now-defunct Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3, the country’s first-ever professional 3×3 league.
Under his leadership, the league hosted multiple conferences in 2019, laying the groundwork for a strong domestic 3×3 competition.
Among its notable achievements, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 organized the world’s first two FIBA 3×3 Super Quest events, a prestigious level 8 tournament.
The league also successfully brought back the level 10 Masters events to Manila and Cebu in 2022 after a seven-year hiatus, bolstering the country’s global presence in the 3×3 circuit.
Due to these efforts, the Philippines earned a coveted spot in the FIBA 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2021.
The country also played host to several Challenger and Quest events, sending multiple teams to compete in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour.
Additionally, the league served as a launching pad for several Filipino players, with Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Santi Santillan, Troy Rike, Mac Tallo, CJ Payawal, and Brandon Ramirez all kickstarting their Philippine basketball careers through 3×3 competition.
With the resurgence of Pilipinas 3×3, Macasaquit is determined to restore the Philippines’ standing as a powerhouse in the 3×3 basketball world.
“Our goal is clear: to bring the country back to the top of the 3×3 world. We’ve done it before, and we know we can do it again with the right foundation and support. Pilipinas 3×3 will be a platform for Filipino players to compete at the highest level and represent the country in the World Tour,” he said.
