AN upstart 3×3 squad is out to prove it has what it takes.
Platinum Karaoke Philippines will do battle in the ABL 3×3 International Champions Cup in Bali from April 16 and 17.
Gilas Pilipinas guard Juan Gomez de Liaño, who banners the quartet, will team up with the Philippines No. 19 3×3 player Chris de Chavez in the men’s division of the invitational tournament.
Spain’s top player Carlos Martinez will also be part of the team, with veteran Marcus Hammonds beefing up the MNL Kingpin-backed cagers.
Platinum Karaoke coach Anton Altamirano said his wards are unfazed by the pressure of carrying the country’s colors.
“We’re excited to see this team that we’ve built compete with some of the best in the region as we expect big things from Juan Gomez de Liaño and Spaniard Carlos Martinez,” Altamirano said.
“We understand the pressure of representing the country and we welcome that challenge as we aspire for greatness,” he added.
Team manager Gerber Manahan is hoping Platinum Karaoke could go all the way.
“It’s a great opportunity for Platinum to carry the Philippine flag in an international competition,” Manahan said.
“It’s a massive honor for us and we’re hopeful to bring home the crown in this tournament.”
Platinum Karaoke will be one of the Philippines’ two representatives in the meet along with Zamboanga Valientes.
They will compete against the two national teams from Indonesia, as well as from Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, and club teams Singapore Slingers, Saigon Heat, Louvre Surabaya, and India’s YKBK.
Platinum will be fighting for pride in the invitational games even more with the national teams using this as preparation for the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam this May.
