TRAVIS Franklin makes his long-awaited debut for Wilkins Balanga in the third leg of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 President's Cup this Saturday at SM City Muntinlupa.
The American reinforcement, who has backstopped Balanga Chooks in both the 2019 Fiba 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters, as well as in the Moscow and Haining Challengers, gets his first taste of the action here in the country.
Franklin replaces Prince Orizu, who was only able to steer Wilkins Balanga to the semifinals in the first two legs.
As always, Alvin Pasaol will lead the squad, together with Karl Dehesa and Chris de Chavez as they are slotted in Pool B together with Thunder Pateros Hunters and Zamboanga Valientes MLV.
Phenom Basilan, meanwhile, will miss the services of shooter Roosevelt Adams in the third leg after he suffered a hamstring injury in the Haining Challenger.
Gab Dagangon steps in for the crew as he joins forces with Franky Johnson, Troy Rike, and import Marcus Hammonds.
Phenom Basilan is in Pool D, together with Inoza Gulf Supreme Boosters Bulacan and guest team Gold's Gym Muntinlupa, who will flaunt dunk artist David Carlos, Fil-Indonesian Biboy Enguio, Olivarez College standout Lloyd Cabeguin, and Congolese Tommy Lisika of Diliman College.
Leg Two champions VetHealth Delhi 3BL of India remains as the favorites as it is placed in Pool A, alongside with Marikina Shoemasters and Vigan MiGuard.
It will also be an open race for the top seed in Pool C, with Max4-Birada Cebu, Tycoon Ballers QC, and Mindoro Tamaraws grouped together.
Leg One champions Gold's Gym Pasig will miss the tourney as they are currently competing in the 2019 Fiba 3x3 World Tour Poitiers Challenger in France.
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