PLAYING THE BIG LEAGUE
There are few things that spur team spirit in this nation, and with no doubt one of these cultural phenomenons is basketball. This year, local basketball fans have something to look forward to as the Vivo Hoop Battle Championship Philippines kicks off with some 3x3 hoop action. A total of 48 teams from the North, Central and Southern Metro Manila battled it our for the finals, and finally on July 29 at Market! Market! Activity Center, the top eight teams are set to outlast each other for the two coveted spots to represent the country in the international championships in Suzhou, China in October.
The renowned 3x3 tournament follows the official FIBA (Fédération Internamore
The Vivo Hoop Battle Championship to be held in Ayala Malls pits the top eight teams battling it out to represent the country in the 3x3 basketball tournament in China.
tionale de Basketball) rules. With the growing popularity of the fast-paced and exciting 10-minute 3x3 basketball, and more fans are now following this action-packed game as teams face each other on the half court. In a span of 10 minutes the team with the highest score or whoever can reach to 21 points first wins.
Hoop Battle is an annual 3x3 basketball tournament held in select districts in China where the winner may bring home over P3 million. This 2018, the Philippines will be the first country outside of China to join as players from all over Metro Manila will join the roster of Hoop Battle Championship teams. Some of the districts in China that have joined Hoop Battle in the past include Shanghai District, Shenzhen and Dongguam District; Chendu District; Taiwan District; Hong Kong District; Beijing District; Kunming District; and Guangzhou and Foshan District.
Making the games more exciting, fans can watch out for renowned Filipino basketball star players and Hoop Battle athletes in the different tournament venues. Top players and talents include Alab Pilipinas Championship team member JR Alabanza, Gilas Pilipinas Cadets member Prince Rivero, rising superstar Encho Serrano, PBA D-League players headed by Jamal Charley Thomas, and some of MPBL players JP Cauilan, JR Vidal, and Wilson Baltazar.
UAAP athletes AJ Madrigal of UP Fighting Maroons, Chibueze Ikeh, Marco Sario, Brix Ramos, Shaggy Allmond and Quinito Banzon of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, and Carlo Escalambre of the UST Growling Tigers will also be participating in the tournament.
Catch sight of your favorite celebrities from Star Magic and Regal as Axel Torres, Patrick Sugui, Joe Vargas, John Michael Lavarez and Karl Felzan Ramirez, among others, play on the court.
The event is presented by AMSI Inc. (AMSI) with ABS-CBN Sports & Action, in partnership with Ayala Malls.