A LEAGUE of its own.
That’s the vision the PBA 3×3 is trying to achieve in its game schedules and even the formation of teams that will represent the country in international tournaments.
“We will now have our own schedule which is separate from the PBA schedule,” PBA 3×3 chairman Richard Bachmann said yesterday in the online Philippine Sportswriters Association forum.
“That’s the plan (to be independent in forming 3×3 national teams). We don’t want to bother the PBA 5×5 anymore,” he added.
Bachmann also announced the staging of Season 2 of the PBA 3×3 on Sept. 10 at the Robinson’s Malls in Antipolo, Novaliches, and Malabon.
Matches will be played Saturdays and Sundays with 12 teams competing — Ginebra, Blackwater, Cavitex, Meralco, NorthPort, Purefoods, San Miguel Beer, Terrafirma and TNT, and guest teams Pioneer Elasto Seal, Platinum Karaoke, and new guest squad J&T Express.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas 3×3 program director Ronnie Magsanoc, who was also joined by tournament director Joey Guanio in the Forum, is convinced the country has what it takes in 3×3 play in local leagues such as the PBA as well as international tournaments like FIBA events, Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, and even the Olympics.
“We will build our own and create a national pool. We’re optimistic in building homegrown talents and eyeing talents from abroad. So far, so good naman,” Magsanoc said in the public sports program presented by San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo, Amelie Hotel Manila, Unilever, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
“What’s most important is to sustain the program and the execution.”
Bachmann said they are trying to convince local players that the PBA 3×3 is a “very viable option” for them when it comes to livelihood and especially once they play overseas.
Guanio said PBA 3×3 will have three conferences this year with the second conference set in November and the third in January. There will be six legs and one grand finals for each conference.
He said they have also opened the possibility of inviting foreign teams to join the PBA 3×3 and admitted that they’ve had initial talks with representatives from Singapore and Vietnam.
“We’re also discussing adding a women’s tournament and that might happen in the third conference,” Guanio said.
“It looks like we will be able to get eight teams. It will be upon the approval of the PBA board. Hopefully, it will push through.”
