Six teams from Northern Luzon advanced to NBA 3X Playoffs and will compete with teams advancing from the Metro Manila division qualifiers during the first-ever qualifiers in North Luzon at Benguet State University on Aug. 11-12, 2018.
A total of 100 teams from Apayao, Dagupan, Baguio, Benguet and other nearby provinces, including entries from Caloocan City in Metro Manila, competed in the North Luzon qualifiers.
Rieken Espinosa, Dreyxius Castillo, Kyle Patrick Margarata, and Adam Floyd Darden of Team Greyhounds topped the U13 Division, while Jaudenes Parone, Dennis de Vera, Manson Lee Carantes and Francis Almazan of Team SLUA topped the Under-16 division. The other winning teams for the boy’s division were Team Caloocan Supremos C (Under-18) composed of Ryan Ricasio, Raphael Jerhold Flores, Mark Francois Sapla, and Jino Lacsa); and Team UL-Dagupan City A (Open Category) made up of Mario Angelito Torio, Reynald Ballesteros, Robert Caasi Jr. and Julius Tiburcio.
In the women’s category, Regimay Castres, Rosemarie Delos Santos, Jane de Vera, and Fionna Kixsha Camangeg of Team Balon Dagupan topped the Under-18 division while Ruthlaine Chlaire Tacula, Raechelle Ann Sao, Ryzelle Ann Limet, and Love Joy Sto. Domingo of Team Pudtol Apayao bested other Open Category participants.
In addition, various media outlets from Baguio City formed teams to compete in the Celebrity Division.
The winners will have a chance to meet NBA Legend Tim Hardaway, NBA Champion Brian Scalabrine, and the Detroit Pistons Flight Crew
Hardaway was drafted 14th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 1989 NBA Draft and named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1990. A five-time NBA All-Star, Hardaway played 14 seasons in the NBA with career averages of 17.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.2 assists and selected to five All-NBA Team selections. He was named an assistant coach of the Detroit Pistons from 2014 to 2017.
“It’s a great feeling to return to the Philippines and get reacquainted with the passionate Filipino fan base,” said Hardaway. “NBA 3X celebrates the vibrant culture of basketball, which will be in full display for fans to experience throughout the weekend festivities.”
Scalabrine was selected 35th overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 2001 NBA Draft. A member of the 2008 NBA Champion Boston Celtics, Scalabrine was named as an assistant head coach of the Golden State Warriors during the 2013-14 season and is currently an NBA analyst.
“Traveling to the Philippines for the first time is an exciting opportunity to experience how the game is played on this side of the world,” said Scalabrine. “As a basketball fan and analyst, I’m looking forward to interacting with the fans and sharing my knowledge with the talented athletes at the NBA 3X event.”
The competitive 3-on-3 tournament includes divisions for boys (under-13, under-16, under-18, and open category), girls (under-18 and open category), an invitation only Celebrity Division featuring popular local personalities, and a division exclusive to AXA employees and distributors.
The Metro Manila division qualifiers will be held at the the Don Bosco Technical Institute Makati on Aug. 18-19 while the Finals will be held at Mall of Asia Music Hall on Aug. 25-26.
The NBA 3X Philippines 2018 is presented by AXA.
By: ARMANDO BOLISLIS
