After a long time stuck as a mere proposal, PBA 3×3 is finally set to launch after more details were announced in an online press conference on Thursday, January 28.
PBA 3×3 chairman Richard Bachmann announced that former Chooks-to-Go 3×3 commissioner Eric Altamirano will be the new tournament director, and that almost all current PBA teams are slated to have 3×3 representatives alongside 4 to 5 guest squads.
“We are welcoming Eric Altamirano as tournament director. I’ll be meeting him together with Ronnie [Magsanoc] and Joey [Guanio] maybe by Wednesday or Thursday to discuss the plans for 3-on-3,” said Bachmann, who is also the Alaska Aces team governor.
Altamirano, who last served as the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 commissioner, helped Philippine 3×3 gain an astronomical rankings leap over the last few years alongside Chooks league owner Ronald Mascarinas.
Prior to his resignation, Altamirano also oversaw the league’s first-ever pro tournament at the Inspire Academy bubble in Calamba, Laguna.
“For me, [the hire] was a no-brainer,” Bachmann said. “He’s experienced in running 3-on-3. I’m gonna learn from him, and the PBA is gonna learn from him also, so it made sense to hire someone who can handle everything in 3-on-3.”
The PBA is initially planning to hold around two pocket tournaments with 3 to 4 legs each, which will run during break days of the 5-on-5 conferences.
Altamirano and the rest of the 3×3 committee are set to present their final plans by February 26.
Bachmann also noted that guest teams will have direct hires who will first have to get Games and Amusement Board (GAB) licenses in line with the PBA’s professional setting.
With or without guest teams, the league won’t even have to look far for capable 3×3 players as the Philippines’ top two players in the FIBA rankings, Joshua Munzon and Alvin Pasaol, have submitted their applications for the loaded 2021 Rookie Draft.
Santi Santillan, Troy Rike, and Franky Johnson, all ranked in the country’s top 10, have also declared for the draft, further boosting the PBA’s new 3×3 talent pool.
Taylor Statham, who was in the country’s top two before being declared an American player, is also one of this year’s Fil-foreign draft hopefuls.
Other 3×3 veterans already playing in the PBA 5-on-5 setting also include Terrafirma’s CJ Perez and Roosevelt Adams, San Miguel’s Mo Tautuaa, and Magnolia’s Aris Dionisio. – Rappler.com
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