Chooks-to-Go 3x3 set for February run

From the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas Facebook page. League commissioner Eric Altamirano, TV5 head Chot Reyes, BAVI boss Ronald Mascarinas, and TV5 executive Lloyd Manaloto.

3x3 basketball is set to continue its rise up the Filipino consciousness when the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 commences next month.

Set to start in February 16, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 is the first national 3x3 league in the country, with twelve teams set to participate in the first conference, called the President's Cup.

The tournament is to help build the case for the Philippines to get itself into the running to make the Olympics when the event makes its debut in 2020, with the potential of discovering the right composition of players that could potentially comprise the national team.

League commissioner Eric Altamirano shares, "The tournament is a big help for the players that will get to represent the country. When you play 3x3 all year round, it's easy for them to familiarize with the rules."

Teams from the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League comprise the bulk of the participants, led by the pacesetting Bataan Risers, Manila Stars, and San Juan-Go-for-Gold Knights. Also set to be involved in this tournament are the Bacoor Strikers, Bulacan Kuyas, Marikina Shoemasters, Valenzuela Classic, and the Zamboanga Valientes.

Completing the cast are the Cebu-Max 4 Birada, the Pasig-Grindhouse Kings, the Quezon City-Zark's Jawbreakers, and the Vigan Baluarte.

Notable ballers set to take their talents include UAAP standouts Alvin Pasaol, Anton Asistio, Leonard Santillan, and Sean Manganti, who will represent Bataan, ASEAN Basketball League veteran Joshua Munzon, who will team up with Taylor Statham, Troy Rike, and recently released PBA veteran Dylan Ababou for Pasig. Other notables include key Knight cogs John Wilson and Mac Cardona, "Baby Shaq" Taganas of Bulacan. The "Man of Steal" Kib Montalbo is heading a relatively unknown cast for Quezon City, while a quartet of University of Cebu standouts form the core of Dondon Hontiveros' squad from the South.

A million pesos awaits the winner, which will be decided in five legs of competitive action during February and March, with the sixth and final leg to be played on April 6 as the Grand Finals.

BAVI President Ronald Mascarinas is overwhelmed by the participating field, says that "Definitely I was surprised with the quality of players we have attracted. We expect intense, close games in all legs of the President's Cup as we witness the future of 3x3 take shape.

TV5 head Chot Reyes notes that the network is ready to deliver top-notch broadcast coverage, with matches to be shown on their different social media platforms, as well as games being shown on 5. He adds, "We are proud to take what we Filipinos know as tatluhan and elevate it to the international stage through our tv and digital platforms. ESPN5 is ready to create a viewing experience that will showcase our homegrown 3x3 talent on the world stage."

The President's Cup schedule for Chooks-to-Go 3x3 is as follows:

February 16 at SM Megamall
February 24 at SM Megamall
March 1 at SM Fairview
March 9 at SM Megamall
March 31 at SM Fairview
April 6 at SM Megamall