FOREIGN teams are set to see action when the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Patriots' Cup tips off on June 1 at SM Seaside City Cebu Events Center.
Teams from Indonesia and Japan have shown interest following the successful staging of the President's Cup and the succeeding Chooks-to-Go 3x3 Asia Pacific Super Quest, with the league still open on expanding from 12 clubs to 16 for its second conference.
All 12 pioneering teams are expected to return, with Cebu-Max4 Birada poised to enjoy a homecrowd advantage for the first leg in the Queen City of the South.
President's Cup champion Pasig Grindhouse Kings and runner-up Bataan Risers spearhead the returnees together with Pasay Voyagers, San Juan Knights-Go for Gold, Vigan Baluarte Wolves, Bulacan Kuyas, Zamboanga Valientes, Zarks' Jawkbreakers-Quezon City, Bacoor Strikers and Marikina Shoemasters.
Unlike the President's Cup where the clubs fielded all local squads, the Patriots' Cup will be a reinforced conference, with one foreign player allowed to suit up per team.
Cebu is hosting the pro 3x3 league after staging the biggest two-day 3x3 basketball tournament early this year.
Participants from Sisters of Mary School Boystown in Minglanilla and Girlstown in Talisay joined forces in setting the new Fiba record of 3,043 participants in a 3x3 tournament from January 12 to 13.
"With the support we got from the basketball-loving Cebuanos last January, we made sure to bring our league to them," said league owner Ronald Mascarinas.
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