Wilcon Depot on the cusp of breaking through in PBA 3x3

Ael Banal

Even with consecutive quarterfinal exit, Wilcon Depot remains hopeful that better days are still ahead.

The new 3x3 side fell short against Meralco on Tuesday, 13-14, at the Ayala Circuit in Makati, but head coach Anton Altamirano saw some positives.

He says, "Mas maganda na yung pinapakita ng team. Nakukundisyon na kami unti-unti and we're optimistic sa mga susunod pang legs." He also adds, "Breaks of the game lang. We played against a tough Meralco squad and you can see na we're able to keep up with them."

TH Tumalip led Wilcon Depot with six points and eight rebounds, while Ael Banal added three points and four rebounds.

Pool play saw them defeat NorthPort, 21-15 and San Miguel, 17-14, but their 12-18 defeat to Pioneer dropped them to the third seed.

Nevertheless, Altamirano remains hopeful moving forward.

"Ang importante sa amin lumalaban yung team at nakikita naman na konti na lang, pwede na tayong makasabay doon sa mga nangunguna this conference," he said.

Learning experience for Wilcon Depot in PBA 3x3 debut

Terence Tumalip

The inaugural 3x3 leg for newcomers Wilcon Depot at the PBA 3x3 Season 3 First Conference can be chalked to learning experience.

The new side in 3x3 basketball fell short of making an impact at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay, coughing up in the quarterfinals against Terrafirma, 18-20. TH Tumalip led Wilcon Depot in the loss with seven points and six rebounds, with Yutien Andrada adding four markers.

Keith Datu was limited to three points and a couple of rebounds, while Ael Banal misfired by connecting on just 3/13 from the field.

Although encouraged, coach Anton Altamirano cited the quartet's lack of condition as a factor for their exit, noting that it will motivate them to do better in the next legs. He says, "It was a tough reality check for us. We're still not in game shape and it only tells us that we need to strive harder if we want to progress further."

Wilcon Depot did top Pool B, winning all three of its assignments. They stunned Cavitex, 18-16, then taking care of business against Purefoods (18-13), and San Miguel (21-16).

They have a chance to bounce back with the second leg taking place next week, July 10-11, at the Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati.

Wilcon Depot set for PBA 3x3 participation

From L-R: Keith Datu, Yutien Andrada, TH Tumalip, PBA 3x3 Tournament Director Joey Guanio, Wilcon Depot 3x3 Head Coach Anton Altamirano, Wilcon Depot Inc. SEVP-COO Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, Wilcon Depot 3x3 Team Manager Eric Altamirano, Ael Banal, Louie Vigil, Strength and Conditioning Coach Marco Yulo, Wilcon Depot 3x3 Assistant Team Manager Cay Lim, and Physical Therapist Khristian Callao.

The third season of PBA 3x3 will have a new player, as Wilcon Depot is set to join the opening conference set to commence next week.

The country's leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer is taking over the Anton Altamirano-coached side that had been previously been supported by Platinum Karaoke. Their partnership was unveiled on Thursday at The Westin Manila, with Commissioner Willie Marcial and 3x3 Tournament Director Joey Guanio representing the league.

Wilcon Depot Inc. Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rosemarie Bosch-Ong says, "We are taking our commitment to another level as we venture into the basketball world. Wilcon Depot's participation in the third season of PBA 3×3 represents our passion for every Filipino homeowner and our dedication to fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. This exciting endeavor allows us to further connect with our customers and sports enthusiasts alike."

She adds, "We're proud of this endeavor and we have high hopes that our brand can fare well and compete at a high level in PBA 3x3."

Having won a couple of legs during its previous iteration, the team Wilcon is taking over remains relatively intact for the upcoming campaign.

Leading the team is skipper Yutien Andrada, with Ael Banal and TH Tumalip backstopping him. Keith Datu also returns after after joining the team in Thailand back in March, as the former J&T Express baller prepares for the upcoming PBA Draft.

Joining the team is Louie Vigil, who was previously with San Miguel.

Altamirano shares about their new partnership, "We're grateful for this opportunity and we have our full trust that the players we have can represent Wilcon Depot well in the 3x3 stage." Complementing him are assistant coach Matthew Sia and strength and conditioning coach Marco Yulo. Outfitting the side is MNL Kingpin.

Wilcon Depot 3x3 will make its debut in the first leg of PBA 3x3 this coming July 3 and 4 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.