Manila West defends Fiba 3×3 World Tour title

Terrence Romeo hopes to show off his team’s improved chemistry as Manila West defends its crown in the 2015 Fiba 3×3 World Tour Manila Masters on Aug. 1 and 2 at Robinsons Place Manila.

“The teams now are more competitive, so we really have to prepare,” said Romeo, who teamed up with fellow PBA standouts KG Canaleta, Rey Guevarra and Aldrech Ramos in Manila West’s 2014 title romp.

“Last year was already very hard. But we now have better chemistry, so it will be a big advantage.”

This edition’s two finalists will advance to the Fiba 3×3 World Tour Final in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 15 and 16.

“For us, the Philippines has one of the biggest potentials for 3×3,” said Fiba 3×3 events manager Ignacio Soriano of Spain in a press conference yesterday at Robinsons Manila.

“It’s not about the height, it’s about the skills.”

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barios said aside from Manila West—which will again be mentored by UAAP champion coach Eric Altamirano of National University—two other teams will be formed to represent the country.

“We’re trying to see if we can bring in Kobe Paras,” Barrios said of the 17-year-old son of former PBA MVP Benjie Paras, who is based in Los Angeles.

“Kobe had lots of success in the 3×3 World Championship [youth editions].”

Club team Novi Sad Al Wahda of United Arab Emirates, the 2014 Fiba 3×3 World Tour winner, has been tagged as the heavy favorite in the qualifiers.

Also seeing action are teams from Foshan, China; Ljubljana, Slovenia; Beirut, Lebanon; Auckland, New Zealand; Doha, Qatar and Medan, Indonesia.

“The lineup of foreign teams are very much more competitive this year,” said Barrios.

A slam dunk competition open to all local players will also be featured as a side event.

“We have to take advantage of our quickness,” said Romeo. “Our mindset is to really give our best every game.”

Manila West stunned the fancied Doha squad in the finals last year for a ticket to the World Championship in Sendai, Japan, where the Philippines reached the quarterfinals.