THE Filipinos’ passion for 3×3 basketball is burning alive.
Bolstered by a united front, the renaissance of the sport took a big step forward as key stakeholders gathered for a friendly tournament last Monday at the Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong in the soft launch of Pilipinas 3×3.
Officials from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Smart Sports, Strong Group Athletics, and MelMac Sports launched the event, reigniting the pioneering 3×3 basketball league that had been dormant for the past year.
The initiative aligns with the SBP’s vision of reviving the country’s competitive standing in 3×3 play and beginning the journey towards the Olympic dream in the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
SBP executive director Erika Dy expressed enthusiasm over the event’s success, emphasizing how the vibrant 3×3 community has remained active despite the league’s hiatus.
MelMac Sports founder Mel Macasaquit, the architect behind the trailblazing 3×3 league, reflected on the significance of the event, drawing parallels to the country’s historic qualification to the FIBA 3×3 Olympic qualifying tournament in 2019.
“Back in 2019, from Oct. 11 to 31, we held two seasons of the MelMac Cup as our final push to secure the country’s spot in the first-ever FIBA 3×3 OQT,” Macasaquit said. “Then, on Nov. 1, it was officially announced—the Philippines had made it to the OQT. At the time, it was uncharted territory, but with the support of FIBA and SBP, we made it happen. The rest is history.
“That’s why we’re back to where it all began. Together with the SBP, SGA, and Smart, Philippine 3×3 is in good hands,” the amiable sports executive added.
“Very thankful for MelMac and his group for organizing this tournament. I can see the media, members of broadcast, members of sponsors, members of outfitters, former players, current players are all here and this is really what we want to do in SBP—to really bring the basketball community together,” Dy said.
“I think, with that here today, even though this is a small event, the sense of community is very much alive and I really do think that this should be the first of many. Gusto natin mas marami mga tournament na ganito para masaya ‘di ba? That’s what we want for Filipino basketball.”
Sixteen teams showed up in the friendly meet, featuring squads from SBP, Smart, SGA, and media representatives.
SBP Gilas Boys, a team composed of utility members from Ginebra and TNT—combatants in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup Big Dance—emerged victorious, taking home the P100,000 cash prize along with four sacks of rice from Jillian Rice Mill and P20,000 worth of shoes from Premium Outlets of former Azkal Misagh Bahadoran.
Each player from the champion team also received one sack of rice from Jillian Rice Mills, further highlighting the support for the athletes.
SGA, led by the firm’s president Jacob Lao, wound up second. In a generous gesture, Lao donated the P30,000 prize money to the event staff, further amplifying the spirit of camaraderie.
SBP Elite finished third and received P20,000. The squad was composed of cage body official Ryan Gregorio, Gilas Women’s 3×3 team manager Larry Fonacier, and Bacon Austria.
PLDT/Smart First Vice President – Head of Sports Jude Turcuato underscored the importance of sports in uniting communities and fostering national pride.
“In a study conducted by Smart, we found that sports have a unique power to bring people together, regardless of background. This tournament is proof of that. Through collaboration and a shared goal, we are hopeful that we can propel the Philippines back into the Olympic basketball stage,” Turcuato said.
With the successful initial launch, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to reviving Pilipinas 3×3—this time with the goal of finally sending a Filipino quartet to the Olympics.
