Serbian powerhouse and world number one, Ub Huishan NE, once again proved that they are the team to beat in FIBA 3×3, as they triumphed over China’s Futian with a score of 21-17 in a thrilling finale at the 2023 Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3×3 Manila Masters on Sunday at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati.
Marko Brankovic led the scoring with eight points, while Strahinja “Doctor Strange” Stojacic, the top-ranked 3×3 player in the world, and Dejan “The Maestro” Majstorovic both contributed six points.
Ub faced tough challenges on their path to victory, narrowly defeating Amsterdam HiPRO of the Netherlands with a score of 21-20 in the quarterfinals, and then overcoming China’s Beijing with a score of 21-16 in the semifinals.
Stojacic was named the Most Valuable Player of the Manila Masters. “In my opinion, we played really well, and we deserved the championship. Every team wants to beat us because we are the number one team in the world, so we have to stay focused,” Stojacic said.
Ub claimed the top prize of $40,000, while Futian received $30,000. Beijing, the semifinalist and third-placer, walked away with $22,000.
In another highlight of the event, David Carlos showcased his incredible skills to win the Chooks! Slam Dunk Contest. The 34-year-old veteran displayed a variety of creative dunks, outperforming Australia’s Brodie Stephens and local dunker Daniel Marcelo to secure a $4,000 prize in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Carlos sealed his emphatic victory with a one-handed thunderous jam, leaping over four individuals for his first dunk in the final round, which earned him a score of 28 from the three judges. Despite two missed attempts, Carlos successfully executed a “Tetris Dunk,” leaping over two people stacked on top of each other just as time expired, earning a score of 27 for his second dunk.
“For my second dunk, those are the moments in the gym where even if you’re alone, you keep doing it over and over again,” Carlos said, reflecting on his successful dunk. “Against the time, with two missed attempts, I didn’t lose hope.”
In contrast, Stephens struggled with his first two dunks and settled for a combined score of 47, making adjustments to his execution after several missed attempts. Stephens failed to complete any of his attempts for his final dunk, paving the way for Carlos to seal his victory with a one-handed 360-degree slam.
“This is the one dunk contest I wanted to win before I retire as a professional dunker. I gave everything I had to win,” Carlos said.
Carlos mentioned battling flu-like symptoms a few days before the competition but was determined to deliver a winning performance in front of his home crowd.
“This is for the fans. I thank my Chooks-to-Go family for their unwavering support.”
