PBA 3x3 returning to action

MANILA, Philippines — Like the Governors’ Cup, the PBA 3x3 is ready to get going next month.

“The PBA 3x3 second conference will start a week after the PBA 5x5 (Governors’ Cup) resumes its games,” PBA 3x3 chairman Dicky Bachmann told The STAR yesterday.

The PBA board has given its approval to the resumption of the Governors’ Cup by the first week of February pending clearance from the local government units (LGUs).

With the Games and Amusements Board  (GAB) endorsing the resumption, the PBA is now working to secure the green light from the LGUs through the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for teams to conduct scrimmages ahead of the games.

“Once we have the approval to scrimmage, then we will give teams 8-10 days to practice,” said Bachmann.

The stand-alone three-a-side hoopfest is coming off the successful staging of its maiden conference composed of six legs and a grand finals last month.

Limitless App emerged as the PBA 3x3 first double-leg winner and grand champion among 13 pioneering ballclubs. Participating players led by Limitless’ Marvin Hayes also earned precious FIBA 3x3 ranking points, which will boost their chances to compete internationally in the future.

The second conference, set to feature an expanded 14-team field, was originally slated to blast off last Jan. 8. But the spike in virus cases and the re-imposition of the stricter Alert Level 3 classification in Metro Manila forced the PBA to suspend play and full-contact practices.