ALL eyes will be on Far Eastern University and De La Salle University as the UAAP Season 87 3×3 Basketball Tournaments kick off on Monday at the Home Court, Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Veejay Pre, who powered the Baby Tamaraws to the 3×3 title last season, will once again lead the Tamaraws, joined by fellow FEU-D products JR Pasaol and Jedric Daa. Adam Nakai and Jayden Jones complete the Tams roster for the tournament, which is also supported by Molten.
FEU will open its campaign against the Ateneo Blue Eagles at 3 p.m., followed by a 5 p.m. clash with traditional rivals, the UE Red Warriors.
Meanwhile, two-time defending champion De La Salle University will field a well-rounded lineup led by sole holdover EJ Abadam. Joining him are Vhoris Marasigan, Doy Dungo, JC Macalalag, and EJ Gollena.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Earl’s role will be massive in our title defense, especially with a completely new lineup. As one of the veterans from last year’s championship lineup, he brings invaluable experience, leadership, and stability to our team that’s navigating a lot of changes,” said Green Archers 3×3 head coach Osmund Ng about his third-year winger Abadam.
“His presence will be crucial in setting the tone during practices, helping the newcomers adjust to the system, and keeping the team focused on the bigger goal. Earl’s leadership, both on and off the court, will be the glue that holds this retooled team together as we prepare to defend the title,” he added as Marasigan, Dungo, Macalalag, and Gollena are making their debuts in the sport.
La Salle kicks off its men’s division matches at 2 p.m. against the NU Bulldogs, before taking on the Adamson Soaring Falcons at 4:40 p.m.
The competition opens earlier in the day with the high school boys’ division at 10 a.m., followed by the inaugural junior high school division matches at 11:20 a.m. in this six-day tournament.
In the women’s division, defending 5-on-5 champion NU will open its 3×3 campaign against La Salle at 12:40 p.m., while reigning 3×3 queens UST will face UE at 1 p.m.
Day 2 of the tournament will take place on Tuesday, before taking a one-day break.
High school girls’ games will begin on Thursday, featuring UST, NUNS, DLSZ, and Ateneo.
The elimination round will wrap up on Saturday, leading to the knockout playoffs on Sunday.
