Tolentino, Ando join Chooks 3x3 program

Vince and Dave flanking Chico Lanete

The Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 program has snapped up a couple of guys to bolster its current pool as it prepares for the remainder of the FIBA 3x3 circuit this year.

Earlier this week, Vince Tolentino and Dave Ando signed three-year deals at the Bounty Agro-Ventures Inc. headquarters, becoming the latest members of the 3x3 pool that includes the likes of Mac Tallo and Zach Huang.

Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascarinas shares, "As promised, we will be giving our new head coach Chico Lanete all the resources he needs to be successful in his first foray as head coach."

He adds, "With Vince and Dave, he will have players that are as versatile as they come both in offense and in defense. And both players are what we are looking for -- players that stand at least 6-foot-4 and show no fear on defense."

Tolentino is a 6'5 forward fresh from a stint with Rain or Shine, where he spent three seasons after being its second round pick. The Ateneo alumnus shares, "I am very excited about this opportunity. This will be my first time experiencing the 3x3 environment and I will do my best to adapt as quickly as possible."

He adds, "Having a chance to represent the country is something that motivates me to do whatever I can to put the team in a position to win. Personally, I want to prove that I can contribute and play at the international level. Of course, the goal is to win as many games as possible and hopefully give the Philippines a shot to play in the Olympics."

Ando, on the other hand, is a 6'7 big man fresh from a collegiate stint with the University of Santo Tomas.

The Cebuano says, "Malaking bagay ito sa career ko kasi ibang level na po ito, eh. Nirerepresent ko na po ‘yong ating bansa kaya gagawin ko ang best ko every game para masuklian ang tiwala ni Boss Ronald at ni Coach Chico. Kahit galing pa lang ako sa UAAP, talagang nagtiwala ang Chooks-to-Go sa akin sa malaking responsibilidad na ito. Nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa kanila."

Chooks-to-Go 3x3 is set to ramp up its efforts as it is set to participate in the Penang Challenger next week, as well as the Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3x3 Invitational Quest in Laguna on September 16. This is capped off by the Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3x3 Cebu World Tour Masters on October 1-2.

Chico Lanete, who has been named as the interim trainer for the program after Aldin Ayo's departure, expressed his gratitude to the program. "Nagpapasalamat ako kasi sobrang all-out ang suporta at tiwala sa akin nila Boss Ronald at ng Chooks-to-Go. Pero patuloy pa rin ang paghanap namin ng players para umangat pa tayo sa FIBA 3x3 rankings at umabot sa Paris Olympics."