CEBU CITY – The Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 teams are not running short of inspiration and motivation as they try to pull off a shocker against the best teams in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Cebu Masters at the SM City Seaside here.
Having been through a lot when it comes to their preparations, Cebu Chooks stars Brandon Ramirez and Mac Tallo vowed to give everything that they got as they take on No.1 seed Antwerp of Belgium and Omaha of USA for the top two spots in the group and quarterfinals spot.
“I've been ready since nung nalaman ko na may Cebu Masters lalo’t ngayon alam ko na kung sino makakalaban namin gusto ko talaga ibuhos ko lahat ng makakaya ko kahit mag cramps na ako sa first game matalo lang namin yung unang kalaban namin,” said hometown hero Tallo as he hopes to open the tournament with fireworks and pull the rug from under the top seed team.
Also an added inspiration for the entire crew was when they experienced the love and support from the children of the Sisters of Mary Girlstown and Boystown when the team visited them last Thursday and Friday.
“For me being here for six months now and having that awareness that I’m playing for the country, I think for the past 48 hours now I truly know who I am fighting for seeing all of this kids seeing their smiles, seeing everyone come see us and being happy that’s what we’re fighting for,” added Ramirez.
Joining Tallo and Ramirez in the Cebu Chooks are Zach Huang and Harry Nzeusseu. Manila Chooks meanwhile will be led by Chooks head trainer Chico Lanete and will be joined by Henry Iloka, Dennis Santos, and Dave Ando.
Unlike Cebu though, Manila will have to go through the eye of the needle if they wish to advance to the main draw. Manila must win against Doha and Ludhiana in the qualifying draw to advance to the next round.