SANTA ROSA, Laguna. – For head trainer Aldin Ayo, the Cebu Chooks squad has what it takes to defend the country’s gold medal in the 3×3 competition of the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi.
“Mas maganda siguro kung may qualifying na mag-compete ang teams,” Ayo said. “Kung sino ang pinaka-best team, siguro, sila ang mag-represent ng bansa natin,” he added.
Ayo spoke after his charges carved out a thrilling 17-15 decision over Mongolia’s Sansar MMC Energy Saturday to bag the crown in the Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3×3 Asia Pacific Super Quest before a wild and roaring crowd at the Ayala Malls Solenad Activity Center here.
Instead of a Chooks-to-Go backed team flying the Philippines’ colors in the biennial meet, PBA 3×3 first conference grand champion Limitless App, made up of Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Jorey Napoles, Reymar Caduyac, and Marvin Hayes will see action in the Games.
Gunner Mac Tallo, the country’s No. 1 3×3 player, showed the way for Cebu Chooks with eight points, including a clutch two-pointer from the left corner that gave his side a 15-14 advantage.
Tallo then sank another deuce for a 17-15 count, only 1:16 left that took the fight out of their foes.
Mike Harry Nzesseu added seven markers, while hardworking Zach Huang had two in the historic win worth the top prize of $10,000 (P523,805.00) in the level 8 FIBA 3×3 tournament.
Cebu Chooks also become the first Philippine team to win it all in the FIBA 3×3 pro circuit since the all-pro Manila West defeated Doha to rule the World Tour Manila Masters in 2014.
Ayo said the quartet of Tallo, Nzeusseu, Huang, and Fil-Canadian Brandon Ramirez fittingly deserved the title triumph.
“It’s good but for us, we are just grateful for this achievement. It is a relief, in a way because madami kaming trinabaho,” Ayo said. “Madami kaming pinagdaan during the pandemic and we are looking for the results doon sa mga trinabaho. We are grateful na nakuha namin.”
