After falling just one win short of the ultimate prize last year, the Titans are determined to go all the way in the Manila Hustle 3×3 Season 3 and claim the championship.
The squad from last season, led by Thai star Bo Supavadee and Japanese forward Lina Nakazawa, will return for another run at the title. Both foreign players will be back to represent the Titans in the two-day event, set to take place at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall starting on February 8.
Trina Guytingco, who was sidelined by an eye injury in their very first game last season, will also make her comeback. Additionally, Stef Berberabe will make her debut with the team.
“We’re very excited to have Bo and Lina back. Trina, as we all know, got injured last year, and she decided just a few weeks ago to officially come back and be part of the team. So we’re very excited; everyone’s motivated to play and hopefully take first place this time,” shared Titans team manager Valerie Chua on Monday at the tournament’s press conference at the TRYP by Wyndham Mall of Asia.
The Titans have been placed in Pool C, where they will face off against Australia’s Royals Basketball, Japan’s Tokyo BB, and Uratex Tibay in a single round-robin format. The top seed will advance to the quarterfinals, while the second and third-ranked teams will compete in a wildcard match.
Berberabe, who played a one-and-done season with National University in UAAP Season 86, replaces Jhazmin Joson, who will now represent Gilas Pilipinas 3×3.
“I think the players are definitely excited to be back. We lost Jhaz Joson this year because she has committed to play for the Gilas Pilipinas team, which, for everyone, the priority is to obviously represent Gilas,” Chua said, expressing her excitement about the opportunity Joson received.
In addition to reassembling the core group that finished second last year, the Titans are boosting their chances for this season of the Manila Hustle 3×3, supported by Smart Sports, by hiring a new coach to elevate their performance.
“In terms of preparations, the two imports are coming in tomorrow. We have a new coach who will be helping us, and I think overall, everyone is just ready to compete and play at the highest level,” said Chua.
This year’s Manila Hustle 3×3 features an even bigger prize pool, with the champions taking home USD 4,000, the runners-up earning USD 2,500, and the third-place team securing USD 1,500.
In addition to the cash prizes, the tournament winner will also receive an invitation to the WKBL 3×3 competition.
