PHENOM, a team led by a former University of Santo Tomas cager proved it is arguably the best amateur 3-on-3 team in the country after ruling the Red Bull Reign last Saturday at Taft Food by the Court in Pasay City.
Bannered by former Tiger Jordan Sta. Ana, Phenom emerged the best team among the 16 finalists who faced off over the weekend to earn the right to represent the country in the finals of the second edition of the worldwide 3-on-3 tournament in Washington D.C. later this year.
Team captain Carl Kenneth Sumalacan, Jarrold Flores, and John Rom Alvarado completed the cast of the champion squad that beat LGU in the finale, 10-6, on a gameday delayed by rains.
“Today was extremely difficult, it was as if we went through the eye of a needle. They were all skilled and hungry to win,” Sumalacan said. “We are happy and at the same time, excited. We were constantly worn out, but it was all worth it.”
Phenom beat an LGU team that featured PBA agent and Ilocos Norte senior board member Matthew Manotoc.
“What’s good about Red Bull Reign is that it opens another door for amateurs who, even though haven’t been part of any basketball professional leagues, get the chance to represent the Philippines against 60-plus countries,” sports consultant, Al Delos Reyes said.
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