10 teams confirmed for new Chooks 3x3 season

MANILA -- Ten clubs have expressed intention of joining the second season of the Chooks-To-Go Pilipinas 3x3.

League commissioner Eric Altamirano met the officials of these teams on Thursday to discuss how the new season will start.

Present in the owners meeting that took place at the C3 Events Place in San Juan City were San Juan team governor Chris Conwi, Sta. Lucia sports head Buddy Encarnado, Nueva Ecija team manager Jai Reyes and official Mike Baldos, Porac's Ryan Monteclaro, Zamboanga's Tonette Roque; Mindoro's Justin Tan and Teytey Teodoro, and Sulu's Marvin Forniza.

Sta. Lucia, which owns the Pasig Pirates franchise, will send in two teams, while Nueva Ecija and Zamboanga will also have two representing quartets each.

The other two teams that will compete in the first conference, tentatively scheduled in the third week of September, will be announced at a later date.

Altamirano particularly discussed the protocols the Chooks 3x3 league set amid the coronavirus dis

ease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, especially the bubble concept that will take place at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba.

"We had to be very thorough and detailed during the meeting with the team owners since we can't leave no stone unturned especially with the pandemic still ongoing," Altamirano said on Friday.

Dr. Butch Ong of UP Science and Society Program further tackled the health protocols like Covid-19 testing.

Altamirano looks forward to a tough competition ahead of the upcoming tournament.

"We will definitely see a lot of new faces while the players from our previous powerhouse teams like Pasig and Basilan will see their players move to new squads. This season will see more balance, I believe," he added.