Philippines willing, able to host 3x3 Asia Cup

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has expressed its readiness to host the 2020 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup should the federation push through with its plans to move it out of China, according to 3x3 patron and Chooks-to-Go owner Ronald Mascariñas.

Answering FIBA 3x3 event manager Ignacio Soriano’s call for a new host, Mascariñas said that the Philippines – boasting a booming 3x3 local scene courtesy of Chooks 3x3 League – would be honored and thrilled to stage the prestigious tournament aside from the scheduled FIBA 3x3 World Tour second leg here in May.

“If you (Soriano) don’t find any host, we can hold that as well,” Mascarinas told Soriano when the latter came over  to check on the country’s readiness for the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament and the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters.

The FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup is scheduled in Changsha, China from May 13-17. But due to the COVID-19 crisis, Soriano said FIBA is exploring other options, including finding a new venue.

“We’re working on potentially changing the host city for the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup. We’re working with different hosts but as of now, nothing is official,” he said.

“We’re just monitoring the situation and we’re working to maybe relocate it. More news will come maybe in a couple of weeks.”

The FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup development came at the heels of its decision to push through with the FIBA 3x3 OQT in India from March 18-22 and the second leg of the 13-city FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters in the Philippines from May 2-3.

Made up of Ricci Rivero, Rhayyan Amsali, Barkley Ebona and RJ Abarrientos, the Philippines finished 16th out of the 22 teams in last year’s 3x3 Asia Cup also held in China.

The Philippine women’s team, comprised of Jack Animam, Clare Castro, Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos, finished eighth out of 18 squads.