Uratex boosting Philippines women’s caging

MANILA, Philippines — Things are looking up for Philippine women’s basketball with Uratex staging a historic 3x3 tournament featuring the best women’s ball clubs here and abroad in partnership with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and Smart Communications Inc.

The 1st Uratex Women International 3x3 unwraps Feb. 4-5 at the Robinsons Magnolia.

“This tournament aims to deliver a highly-quality event featuring elite women basketball. In the process, we hope to hype up the growing sport of women’s 3x3 basketball in the world, uplifting all its passionate players, coaches, and fans, while delivering a great fan and player experience,” said Peachy Medina, Uratex managing director and head of the organizing committee.

“It’s very encouraging that we have an international event. We have four foreign countries participating with topnotch players at that. So, malaking bagay yun. Makakatulong sa ating national team,” said SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, joined by

Smart sports director Jude Torcuato in the event presser at the Summit Hotel in San Juan.

Bannering the inaugural 3x3 tourney is Lady Macbeth Riots team featuring Gilas women mainstays Janine Pontejos, Trina Guytingco, Khate Castillo and UAAP Rookie of the Year Kacey dela Rosa in lieu of Europe-bound Jack Animam.

Local squads Uratex Dream Philippines, Uratex Tibay Philippines, Discovery Perlas, Angelis Resort and Army Altama are also in the fray with Japanese squads Owls.Exe Kujukuri and Zoos Tokyo, Korean bets 1Eyehansol and G2L2 along with Jumpshot of Singapore and Shoot It Dragon of Thailand.

A whopping grand prize of $3,000 plus P50,000 gift certificate from Titan is up for grabs for the champion team with the the runner-ups taking home $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.

Adding spice to the joust are dunk contest and shootouts with volleyball icon Alyssa Valdez and basketball legend JayJay Helterbrand serving as judges.

“We’re very privileged to support this endeavor. Magandang development ito sa women’s basketball after back-to-back SEAG championship,” added Barrios on the 3x3 tilt ahead of Gilas’ campaign in 32nd Southeast Asian Games this May in Cambodia.