ARQ Builders on a mission

CEBU, Philippines —  The ARQ Builders Cebu are on a mission and that is no less than to capture the championship of the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Invitational, which will be contested under strict health and safety protocols today at the Laus Events Centre in San Fernando, Pampanga.

ARQ coach Jerry Guzman Abuyabor gamely admitted that it’s going to be a tough challenge for them because aside from the formidable opposition, they have been invited to compete in the tournament only in a week’s notice.

Abuyabor, however, assured that they will give their best shot in their bid to bring home the bacon.

“Malalakas rin kalaban but knowing the boys we got, bagay sila sa 3x3,” said Abuyabor, who is currently connected with the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras aside from being the Eastern Visayas regional director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).“They have one mission for the day and that is to win the championship. I know they will do their best.”

Seeing action for the ARQ Builders under the behest of Abuyabor are former Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) All-Stars in Frederick Elombi (UC), RJ Dinolan (USJ-R), and Landy Sanjo and Monbert Arong (SWU-Phinma).

“It’s my first experience in 3x3 basketball but I’m ready as always,” said Dinolan, who powered the USJ-R Jaguars to two straight CESAFI finals appearances albeit in a losing cause both to the UV Green Lancers in 2017 and 2018. “I’m privileged to be part of the Cebu team and I will do my best.”

Among ARQ’s strongest rivals in the one-day tilt are HeiHei Manila manned by former CESAFI MVP Mark Jayven Tallo, Chico Lanete, Zachy Huang and Mike Nzeusseu, and the Homegrown Grains Bocaue bannered by ex-PBA cager Mark Yee, Dennis Santos, Ralph Tansingco, and Jayvee Marcelino.

The rest of the contenders are Pacquiao Coffee Bacolod, RBR Cabiao Nueva Ecija, BRT Sumisip Basilan, Pasig Kingpins, Adam Esli Pasay, MNL Kingpin Quezon City, Amacor Mandaluyong, Essen Immunoboost Sarangani, and Zamboanga Valientes.

Following the FIBA 3x3 World Tour format, the 12 teams are being pooled in groups of three. The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout playoffs.

The champion will take home P100,000. The second and third placers will pocket P50,000 and P20,000, respectively.