REGION 3, represented by players from Pampanga, and Region 7, bannered by young cagebelles from Cebu, ruled the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) 3x3 Pambansang Tatluhan at Robinson’s Place Manila Activity Center.
Beefed up by four players from Saint Augustine Institute of Pampanga, Region 3 bested its counterparts from Region 9, represented by Zamboanga, 17-12, on their way to winning the under-18 division of this 3x3 event put up by the SBP and sponsored by SMART, Cignal, Rain or Shine, Robinson’s Place Manila, Star Margarine and NLEX-SCTEX.
SBP officials led by executive director Sonny Barrios, special assistant to the president Ryan Gregorio, and operations director Butch Antonio, awarded P50,000 cash prize to the winning quartet from Pampanga.
They will also be given free one year subscription of Cignal.
Region 7 from Cebu outplayed its counterpart from Region 6, represented by Bacolod, 13-8, in the women’s under-18 division finals.
SBP president Al Panlilio remains committed to provide young players from all over the country an avenue of showcasing their skills, and the 3x3 Pambansang Tatluhan is a great way to discover talents.
“We have a wealth of talent spread all over the country and the SBP is taking a lead role in discovering these talents and honing them to the best they could be,” said Panlilio. “Pambansang Tatluhan is an avenue for our young players to gain experience and hopefully, it would open the doors for them in the future.”
“The SBP would like to thank its regional directors and deputy directors for the work that they’ve put in, but it doesn’t end here. We’re planning to hold more editions of Pambansang Tatluhan to also show the kids that 3x3 is also a possible avenue for them to reach the Olympics.”
Barrios, former commissioner of the PBA, wasn’t surprised to see that the event was dominated by players outside Manila.
“Yun ang kagandahan ng 3x3 format. You can never tell and it’s unpredictable,” added Barrios. “Sa 5-on-5 medyo established na yung teams sa Manila, yun ang madalas sabihin na for second place na lang pinaglalabanan. Eto, hindi. Wala kang maituturing na dominant.”
Antonio, long-time executive of the SBP, added that the governing body in basketball made sure to host a one-time 3x3 national event this year and assured all participants that it will be an experience they will never forget.
“Normally, we hold it twice a year, but this year, we only had one, so we made sure that the participants would experience something that they will truly remember,” said Antonio. “Next year, we will hold it twice a year again.”
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