Ateneo de Manila University’s Kacey Dela Rosa. UAAP Media.MANILA — After making Philippine 3x3 history, Kacey dela Rosa and Cheska Apag return to familiar ground as they lead their respective universities in the UAAP Season 88 women’s 3x3 Basketball Tournament, which begins Monday at Ayala Malls By The Bay.
Dela Rosa and Apag were part of the Gilas Women’s squad that captured silver in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup. Dela Rosa, along with UAAP alumni Afril Bernardino, Mikka Cacho, and Tantoy Ferrer, also helped the Philippines secure a spot in the 3x3 World Cup.
“I’m super excited, of course. Coming from the FIBA Asia Cup and World Cup qualifiers, I know I learned a lot from those tournaments, and I’m just excited to share it with my teammates on the court,” said Dela Rosa.
She will be joined by 5-on-5 Rookie of the Year Erica De Luna, Kai Oani, Lauren Lopez, and Hannah Lopez as Ateneo de Manila University opens its campaign against two former champions — University of Santo Tomas at 12:40 p.m. and National University at 3:20 p.m.
Now, Dela Rosa is focused on anchoring the Blue Eagles’ title-retention bid in the three-a-side event.
“Whenever I play, especially for Gilas and Ateneo, I’m really competitive. Maybe because I’m used to it. I came from Chiang Kai Shek, and I think that’s where I developed that mindset. I always want to win or be a champion no matter what team I’m playing for,” she added.
Adamson University’s Cheska Apag, meanwhile, will team up with Elaine Etang, Jam Meniano, Niclen Manlimos, and Nadine Muñoz as they look to return to podium contention after missing out last season.
The women’s division is expected to be highly competitive, with University of Santo Tomas, National University, Far Eastern University, and University of the Philippines fielding stacked lineups.
The Growling Tigresses, reigning 5-on-5 champions, will be led by Kent Pastrana, who is set to represent UST for the final time in the tournament. She will be joined by Brigette Santos, Karylle Sierba, Coi Danganan, and Erinn McAlary.
UAAP Season 86 Girls’ 3x3 MVP Cielo Pagdulagan will spearhead the Lady Bulldogs, alongside Dindy Medina, Aloha Betanio, Bonie Solis, and Samantha Medina, as National University looks to bounce back after missing the podium last season.
Last year’s runners-up Lady Tamaraws will parade Shane Salvani, Maxene Dela Torre, Amyah Espanol, Victoria Pasilang, and Elaine Patio.
Louna Ozar will lead the Mikka Cacho-mentored Fighting Maroons, with support from Camille Nolasco, Achrissa Maw, Shane Cunanan, and Marielle Vingno.
The rivalry clash between UST and NU is set on April 30 at 6 p.m.
On the collegiate men’s side, De La Salle University is eyeing a fourth straight 3x3 crown in the tournament, which is supported by Wilson Philippines and Ayala Malls and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
Seniors Earl Abadam and Jcee Macalalag return, teaming up with reigning MVP Doy Dungo, EJ Gollena, and Luis Pablo.
“We take it with pride and honor to have the chance to bring La Salle a fourth 3x3 championship this year. This one will mean a lot to Jcee and me since it will be our last year playing and wearing a La Salle jersey,” said Abadam, who is aiming for his fifth overall UAAP title.
Last season’s silver medalists University of Santo Tomas will bring back Amiel Acido, Gelo Crisostomo, and Ice Danting, along with rookies Carl Manding and Koji Buenaflor.
Crisostomo is currently in Sanya, China, representing the Philippines in the 3x3 competition of the 6th Asian Beach Games.
Last season’s bronze medalists Adamson University will feature Allen Perez, AJ Fransman, Joshua Barcelona, Mat Edding, and Noah Pacquiao.
After finishing in the lower half of the standings last season, the Nico Salva-mentored Ateneo Blue Eagles will field a deep lineup with Andrew Bongo, Shawn Tuano, Kyle Gamber, Alden Cainglet, and Thirdy Ebdane.
La Salle opens its title defense against Adamson at 2 p.m.
In the high school division, Cabs Cabonilas, who swept both the regular season and Finals MVP honors last March, will lead Far Eastern University-Diliman’s bid for a third straight title alongside Marc Burgos, JB Cagurungan, Sam Hall, and Adrian Alabagan.
The NU-Nazareth School Bullpups, looking to avenge their 5-on-5 loss to the Baby Tamaraws, will field Kurl Figueroa, Miekho Natinga, Chad Cartel, Sofiane Bouzina, and Rhon-J Matias.
The Junior Growling Tigresses, like their senior counterparts, are eyeing a “golden double” with Lea Pinuela, Katrina Insoy, Jesabel Anacan, Janice Oczon, and Sofia Petalcorin.
The Lady Bullpups, bannered by Aubrey Lapasaran, Zaydhen Rosano, Ruiza Olmos, Queennie Cordero, and KJ Badajos, will try to spoil that bid.
In the 16-and-under division, 15-year-old reigning MVP Sky Jazul will lead Ateneo High School’s bid for back-to-back titles.
The elimination round runs from April 27 to May 2, with a break on April 29. The knockout stage will be held on May 3.