PUL commissioner Eric Altamirano. Handout photo/Pilipinas United 3x3 League.MANILA — The inaugural Pilipinas United 3x3 League promises high-stakes action as it opens this weekend.
Twelve teams in the men's division and eight in the women's side will lock horns at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay for the coveted USD 5,000 and USD 3,000 cash prizes, respectively.
In addition, the champion team from the men’s bracket will earn a ticket to the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger in October. The top local team, meanwhile, will get a spot in the FIBA 3x3 Manila Challenger spot in September.
“Passion fuels every drive, every shot, every hustle, while purpose brings us together to create new avenues for athletes to unite communities and to push Philippine basketball to even greater heights,” said PUL commissioner Eric Altamirano, who will be leading the league alongside co-founder Andrew Combate, on Monday's press conference.
Celebrity baller David Licauco is set to banner Taho Story A, and also among the country’s representatives are powerhouse Half Court Group (Hoopjeep), Sidney Onwubere’s YouGuard, dunker David Carlos’ Activate Sports, AMG Physical Therapy Clinic, Smile 360 Dental Clinic, Solaris, and Taho Story B.
The local squads will take on a tough international field which includes Ninja Airs and SBB from Japan, Dame Dolla of Vietnam, and Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia.
On the other hand, two-time UAAP MVP Kacey dela Rosa will carry the torch for Gilas Pilipinas Women U23 which will be joined by top local clubs Uratex Dream and Pilipinas Aguilas in the women’s division.
Completing the women’s side are international teams: Maurice Lacroix from Japan, Malaysia’s Harimau Black and Yellow, Vietnam’s Hanoi 3x3 By Amigos, and Singapore's Jumpshot.
The PUL games are to be held on August 23-24.
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