In an effort to earn more ranking points, the Philippines will host a high-level Asia-Pacific qualifying tournament this April, with the winners of the tournament getting a chance to join the FIBA 3×3 World Tour.
Organizing such a tournament became possible early this week following a meeting between FIBA officials, led by executive director David Crocker, 3×3 managing director Alex Sanchez and Bounty Fresh/Chooks-to-Go President Ronald Mascariñas.
Mascarinas believes that this undertaking will accelerate the development of 3×3 in Philippines.
The cagefest will be known as “Quest,” a multi-tournament qualification tour, which ends with the best teams joining the Quest Finals, a qualifying meet to a pre-determined World Tour Masters.In the FIBA 3×3’s list of events, the Quest is a level seven (purple) event, while the Quest Finals are ranked eight (brown).
“We are looking for tangible ways for the country to find its way to the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. I know it’s hard at this point, but we will try everything,” said Mascariñas.
Sanchez said: “There is no reason why Philippines cannot have successful teams playing at World Tour level, considering the depth of talent and love for the game in the country.”
The cagefest will be known as the Chooks-to-Go 3×3 Asia-Pacific Super Quest and it is tentatively set on April 6 to 7.
“The game of three-on-three is more on the nature of the Filipinos with the dribbling and the skillful attitude and being smart on the court,” added Sanchez in his talks with Mascarinas. The top placers in the Super Quest will gain a berth in FIBA 3X3 World Tour.
“With Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3, we want to show to the Filipino people that there is another avenue for our basketball players to compete in,” said league commissioner Eric Altamirano.