Internat’l stars spice up Manila Hustle

Aoi Katsura savored her time in the Philippines so much last year that she wants a second serving.

And the world No. 25 and Japan’s top-ranked player will get a chance to do just that as she returns for Manila Hustle 3x3 Season 2 on 3 and 4 February at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Katsura will spearhead Zoos Tokyo in this tournament presented by Uratex and Smart, has the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas as official technical partner, Seiko as official timekeeper, and B’lue as official hydration partner.

But she won’t be the only marquee international player in action this year.

Kim Dunarang, who was part of last year’s Mythical Three, is expected to be front and center for Dinoman Hansol of Korea.

The dazzling Ari Geli has returned to the country to reinforce Uratex Tibay, while Chinese center Li Renzhu will provide the much-needed height for Uratex Dream.

Thai star and FIBA Women’s Series stud Supavadee “Bo” Kunchuan and world No. 574 Lina Nakazawa of Japan will also be backstopping Titans as they seek to make a deeper run this time out.

Congolese Grace Irebu, a former University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player from the University of Santo Tomas, has also been called up to support Discovery Perlas, while La Salle’s Cameroonian center Fina Tchuido will be manning the paint for Bluefire LPG.

Royals Basketball of Australia, Shiv Nadar School of India, Jumpshot of Singapore, and Shoot It Dragons of Thailand have also brought in competitive teams as these nine international squads look to silence the home crowd.