By CHRISTAN SALVAÑA
It’s been two seasons since a Filipino squad last won the Manila Hustle 3×3, and with higher stakes on the line, the pressure on local teams has never been greater.
Five local teams will compete in Season 4 of the Manila Hustle 3×3 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on Feb. 7 and 8, with the champion 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 be comprised of 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 tournament.
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 3×3 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.
With so much on the line, the local players are feeling both the pressure and the excitement.
Dela Rosa and Cacho shared their thoughts on the team’s preparation and goals for the season.
“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.
