Pasig set for All-Filipino grind at Kunshan Challenger

The original Pasig Grindhouse squad back together. Flanked by the Altamiranos

Pasig Chooks will be channeling a little throwback when it participates in the FIBA 3x3 Huaquiao International Kunshan Challenger this weekend.

With both its recent reinforcements sidelined with injuries, the team will be going back to the original lineup that dominated the Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 President's Cup in Taylor Statham, Joshua Munzon, Dylan Ababou, and Troy Rike.

Nikola Pavlovic is nursing a swollen left hand, while Angelo Tsagarakis is dealing with a semi-fractured rib that he incurred during the Doha Masters.

Regardless, the team believes this is a good test for the country, as it tests its mettle against some of the world's best in the 3x3 scene.

League commissioner Eric Altamirano shares, "It's going to be tough. We are facing Liman and one Russian team. It's going to be a tough group but hopefully, with their familiarity of the players with each other, that can be an advantage for us." He adds, "Also, Josh and Taylor gained a lot of experience in Doha."

Pasig Chooks is in Pool A alongside familiar foe Liman and Russian side Sosnovy Bor Cop Rosatom. They play the Russians first at 5:55pm, before facing the Serbs at 740pm on Saturday.

Finishing first or second in the Pool grants them access to the knockout rounds on Sunday.

Topping the Challenger nets $15,000, while runners-up pocket $10,000.  Finishing third and fourth nets $5,000 and $2,000, respectively.

"They are not just representing Pasig or Chooks-to-Go for this tournament. They are the country's representatives," closed Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 league owner Ronald Mascariñas.

The Kunshan Challenger is the final qualifier for the second leg of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, which takes place in Chengdu this coming June. Liman and Riga Ghetto have already booked their ticket to this particular 3x3WT leg, so the top team other than those two will earn said ticket.