FIBA keen on hosting 3x3 Masters in PH

FIBA 3x3 chief Ignacio Soriano remains hopeful that the postponed Manila Masters will finally push through. Chooks-to-Go (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—FIBA looks to hold another 3x3 event in the Philippines amid the COVID-19 pandemic that forced local sporting events to go closed door.

"We’re looking forward to bringing the FIBA 3x3 World Tour back to the Philippines in 2021, after two amazing Masters in 2014 and 2015," FIBA 3x3 head Ignacio Soriano said on Tuesday.

FIBA actually planned to hold the World Tour Masters in the Philippines last year but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3, the premier domestic 3x3 league in the country, has been tasked to have a major role in making the Masters happen.

"Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 has been a key partner of FIBA for the development of 3x3 in the Philippines over the past years. It's a pro league that has generated so much activity and ranking points for the Philippines, that it has played a significant role in bringing the country to the brink of the Olympics at the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 has made history in becoming the first promoter to organize a FIBA 3x3 Super Quest. They organized the first-ever Challenger on the island in 2019 and have managed to bring the World Tour back to the Philippines, six years after the last Manila Masters," Soriano added.

As the league enters its third season, Soriano is expectant of what Chooks 3x3 has in offer for this year.

"We’re keeping a close eye on the development of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 pro league, which has brought competitive teams and tons of great ideas for the development of our own FIBA 3x3 events," he further said. "We have been very impressed with the way Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 has presented its games so far."

In particular, Soriano lauded the league for pushing through with its 2020 season inside a bubble at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba.

"The fan experience at the 2020 bubble was particularly eye-catching and a source of inspiration for our own events, both in terms of the look and feel of the venue and media and TV coverage," he quipped.

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