Letran, JRU win inaugural NCAA 3x3 cagefest
Lyceum and Perpetual Help were two of the eight NCAA schools that participated in the first ever NCAA 3x3 tournament.
MANILA, Philippines – Letran’s Under-14 team and Jose Rizal College’s Under-18 team won their respective divisions in the NCAA’s inaugural 3x3 tournament held last Sunday at the JRU Gym in Mandaluyong City.
Eight of the 10 NCAA schools participated in the initial 3x3 competition that was planned and organized in conjunction with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. NCAA management committee member and 3x3 host Paul Supan of JRU said that only College of St. Benilde and San Beda College were unable to participate because of a conflict in terms of scheduling that coincided with respective school-wide activities.
“But we have the full support of ever school,” clarified Supan. “This was planned way back in Season 92 (3x3). This year, we put everything in place and now linalaro na natin. We have two divisions — Under-18 and Under-14. This will ensure grassroots development of basketball and 3x3 which is gaining in popularity.”
The Under-14 division was an all-Letran affair with Team A besting Team B. EAC finished third.
In the Under-18 category, host JRU piped Mapua A to win the competition while San Sebastian Team B placed third.
Supan expressed satisfaction at the turnout especially on a Sunday.
“For an initial offering, okay na ‘to,” noted the JRU Athletic Director. “Masaya in the sense that this is something new for the boys. Normally naglalaro sila sa community o park nila. But this one is organized. We are pushing for 3x3 to be regular as a NCAA sport. We do not plan to make this a one-time event but an annual tournament.”
“Magandang tournament ito kasi it improves on the skills of the players,” chimed in Letran coach RJ Guevarra. “It’s faster so the attack skills or offensive skills are highlighted. And of course, defense and hustling for the ball. Welcome addition ito sa NCAA calendar.”
Clint Escamis, whose Mapua Red Robins finished second to Under-18 champion JRU, said that playing 3x3 ball brought him back to his younger days playing street ball. “Mabilis yung pace ng laro. At masaya. Learning din ito.”
Said SBP 3x3 director Mark Solano: “This is good training ground for our athletes and a nice lead-in to our hosting the 3x3 World Cup this coming June.”
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