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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Bigger stakes in Manila Hustle 3x3

Bigger stakes in Manila Hustle 3x3

Published Jan 30, 2026 06:10 pm

At A Glance

  • It's been two seasons since a Filipino squad last won the Manila Hustle 3x3, and with higher stakes on the line, the pressure on local teams has never been greater.
The participants in the Manila Hustle 3x3 (CHRISTAN SALVAÑA)
The participants in the Manila Hustle 3x3 (CHRISTAN SALVAÑA)
By CHRISTAN SALVAÑA
Intern
It’s been two seasons since a Filipino squad last won the Manila Hustle 3x3, and with higher stakes on the line, the pressure on local teams has never been greater.
Five Filipino clubs will compete in Season 4 of the Manila Hustle 3x3 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on Feb. 7 and 8, with the champions earning a coveted berth to the Shanghai stop of the FIBA Women’s Series, along with a $4,000 cash prize.
Gilas Pilipinas Suns and Stars will banner the Philippines in the 16-team field as they try to dethrone back-to-back champions Zoos Tokyo of Japan, led by Season 3 MVP Ama Degbeon.
Season 1 MVP Kacey Dela Rosa leads the Suns alongside veterans Cheska Apag, Gabi Bade, and Mikka Cacho, while the Stars will feature Hazelle Yam, Tantoy Ferrer, Jamanah Meniano, and Amyah Espanol.
The remaining Filipino squads include debuting Pilipinas Aguilas, composed of Jhaz Joson, Stefanie Berberabe, Camille Malagar, and naturalized player Elizabeth Means.
Tournament mainstays Uratex Dream, led by Kaye Pingol, Afril Bernardino, Sam Harada, and Chinese center Renzhu Li, as well as Uratex Tibay—bannered by CC Junsay, Justine Domingo, Mar Prado, and Singaporean Kang Ti Yan—also aim to make their presence felt in the fourth edition.
Other international teams competing this year are debutants Flowlish Gunma of Japan, CTBC Unity Fire of Chinese Taipei, the New Zealand national team, Valencia Basket 3x3 of Spain, Hanoi Basketball of Vietnam, Selangor EST Jersey of Malaysia, CT Tigers of Thailand, the Singapore national team, Hansol Remicon of Korea, and Shoot It Dragons of Thailand.
"I’m very confident naman with our team, lalo na kasama ko ‘yung ibang veterans din like sila ate Mikka and Gabi. Si Apag din, may connection na kami before kasi teammates kami dati sa U23," said Dela Rosa.
"Hopefully mas maganda 'yung finish namin, kasi last season, nag bronze kami," said Cacho, reflecting on last season’s bronze finish with Camille Clarin, Joson, and Yam.
Event partners Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and Smart Communications also reaffirmed their support for the Filipino teams.
"The organizer of the qualifier is required to pay the tickets of the four players who will be going to Shanghai. I would like to pledge, the federation, if a Filipino team under Gilas wins the championship and goes to Shanghai, we will provide extra financial support for that team," said Erika Dy, Executive Director of SBP.
"If another Filipino team will make it, Smart will also commit to help the second team," said Epok Quimpo, Center Head and AVP for Sports Marketing of Smart Communications.
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