Ari Geli endeared herself to the Filipino crowd with her dazzling moves and charming personality last year.
This time, she will get a chance to do that with the home court firmly rooting for her.
The flamboyant Geli will don the Uratex Tibay colors for Manila Hustle 3×3 Season 2 this Feb. 3 and 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
“I’m very happy for the opportunity,” said the 21-year-old Spanish guard.
It’s a dream fulfilled for Geli who was vocal on her desire to return to the Pearl of the Orient after her scintillating debut in this tourney presented by Uratex and Smart, and has has the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas as official technical partner, Seiko as official timekeeper, and B’lue as official hydration partner.
“I love Manila and I love Pilipinas. I love the way you live basketball,” she said.
Geli helped Zoos Tokyo reach the quarterfinals last year, but with the fans on her side, pressure is mounting for her to lead Uratex Tibay deeper in the knockout rounds together with locals Ford Grajales, April Siat, and Cecilia Junsay.
But no question, playing in front of this enthusiastic audience is already a victory in Geli’s vocabulary.
“I feel like I’m home,” she stated.
Manila Hustle 3×3 Season 3 is also sponsored by Titan, Wilson, Green Cross, Secret Fresh, Aquaflask, Laurin CocoMCT, Peloton Workforce, Senka, Pinesbel Manufacturing, Tsubaki, IFern, Evercool Radiator, Home Suite Furniture, and Quality Corrugated Box Manufacturing.