By Kristel Satumbaga
The PBA will introduce the men’s 3x3 basketball tournament when the 45th season fires off with the Philippine Cup conference next month.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, seated second from right, joins members of the league's Board of Governors after Tuesday's press launch at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City. Seated beside Marcial are, from left, Blackwater's Sillman Sy, PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas of TNT KaTropa and Columbian's Bobby Rosales while standing are Magnolia's Rene Pardo, Rain or Shine's Mamerto Mondragon, Alaska's Dickie Bachmann, Phoenix Pulse's Raymond Zorilla, Meralco's Al Panlilio, San Miguel Corporation Sports Director Alfrancis Chua, NorthPort's Erick Arejola and San Miguel Beer's Robert Non. (MB Photo / Manny Llanes)
PBA Vice Chairman Bobby Rosales said on Tuesday 14 teams will participate in the inaugural staging composed of the 12 PBA squads and two additional.
Member teams are Alaska Aces, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Blackwater Elite, Columbian Dyip, Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok, Meralco Bolts, NLEX Road Warriors, NorthPort Batang Pier, Phoenix Pulse Fuelmasters, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, San Miguel Beermen and TNT Ka Tropa.
Additional squads are Mighty Bond and Dunkin’ Donuts, who expressed their intention to participate.
Rosales said games will be held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the PBA playdates. The 14 teams will be split into two groups for the 42 elimination games and 12 playoff matches.
Semifinals and finals will be competed in a best-of-three format.
There will be no drafting for the team compositions and no age restrictions. Teams will be composed of four to six players and will be allowed with two Fil-foreigners.
“I’m happy to have 3x3 in the PBA. It’s a different but exciting track, and it is a path to the Olympics. We’re thankful for the support of the PBA in this endeavor,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio.
The country is currently ranked No. 19 in the FIBA 3x3 rankings and is scheduled to compete in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament next month.
The PH team also made its presence felt at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games where Jason Perkins, Chris Newsome, CJ Perez and Mo Tautuaa clinched the gold medal.