SMART CLARK GIGA CITY--The PBA is eyeing to fire off its inaugural men's 3x3 tournament before the start of the 46th season next year.
Commissioner Willie Marcial said the board of governors has agreed to stage the 3x3 tourney prior to the target opening on April 9, 2021 during the virtual meeting on Thursday.
"Gusto nilang simulan (PBA 3x3) bago magsimula ang season. Kung kaya namin simulan nang January or February, gagawin namin agad," said Marcial.
Read: PBA to introduce men’s 3×3 tournament
Marcial said the 3x3 committee will look for possible candidates for the position of full-time director or commissioner of the tourney to be chosen by the board.
The committee is chaired by Dickie Bachmann of Alaska with members Atty. Raymond Zorrilla of Phoenix, Erick Arejola of NorthPort, Meralco assistant coach Ronnie Magsanoc (representing the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) and league's technical official Joey Guanio.
The tilt, which will run under FIBA 3x3 rules to allow the collection of ranking points, is targeted to be held in-between conferences, enabling the regular five-on-five players to participate.
Read: PBA considers staging three conferences next season
Marcial stressed that the players who intend to join the PBA 3x3 needs to enter the Rookie Draft first. Top Filipino 3x3 cagers Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Santi Santillan and Troy Rike have already bared their intention to enlist for the next season's draft set on March 14, 2021.
"Kailangan pumasok muna sila sa draft bago sila makasali. Tataas pa rin naman 'yung puntos nila."
Read: PBA mulls holding 2020 rookie draft in March
The PBA was already set to launch its 3x3 tilt earlier this year to help boost the country's FIBA 3x3 rankings but the Covid-19 crisis forced the league to put it on hold.