PBA to propose 3X3 competition
AFTER the Philippines’ successful hosting of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3X3 World Cup, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) wants to introduce a 3x3 tilt among its 12 teams.
“That’s really possible because it (3X3 competition) is already requested by my technical director and operation head Eric Castro. I told him why not? We will just see how can we put it during PBA games. Is it in halftime or if they have no game schedule?,” Commissioner Willie Marcial told The Manila Times.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) vice- chairman Robbie Puno is also supportive of the idea.
Marcial added that he was really impressed by the Philippine men’s 3x3 team under coach Ronnie Magsanoc. The PH almost reached the quarterfinals and finished in the tournament with a 2-2 win-loss record.
“The FIBA 3X3 World Cup is really a beautiful experience after finishing with a 2- 2 win- loss record. We almost made it to the quarterfinals, but we just lost a close game against Canada,” added Marcial, referring to the 19- 20 loss of the Filipinos to the Canadians in the preliminary round in Pool C.
The No. 19 Philippine men’s team composed of Roger Pogoy and Troy Rosario of TNT KaTropa, Stanley Pringle of GlobalPort and Christian Standhardinger of San Miguel Beer, beat No. 6 Brazil (15-7) and No. 3 Russia (19-12) but lost to No. 11 Mongolia (17-21) and Canada.
“I’ll propose it to our board meeting and let’s see what will be the scenario. I will just wait. At the same time, Al Panlilio and chairman Ricky Vargas will be there.”
Meralco team governor Panlilio is also the SBP president while TNT governor Ricky Vargas is the league’s chairman and Philippine Olympic Committee president.
“It is good that the PBA should also make its own 3X3 program. We need 3X3 tournaments that include PBA players and I hope all the 12 teams will able to field their respective players there. It will also help our PBA players to hone their skills in 3X3. Although the SBP already implemented 3X3 tournaments around the country, I don’t see any 3X3 national tournament yet that involves PBA players,” said Puno.