MANILA West hopes familiarity will work in its favor when it kicks off its title defense in the 2015 Fiba 3×3 World Tour Manila Masters today at Robinsons Place Manila.
PBA standouts Terrence Romeo, KG Canaleta, Rey Guevarra and Aldrech Ramos return to action for Manila West, one of three Philippine squads lined up against a tough foreign field, which includes the world’s top three 3×3 sides.
“We had little adjustment because our players are already familiar with each other,” said Manila West coach Eric Altamirano. “We know the other teams are fielding better players.”
The games fire off at 2 p.m. with Manila West kicking off the PH bid versus Team Auckland of New Zealand in Pool D at 3.
Manila North, composed of PBA players Calvin Abueva, Vic Manuel, Karl Dehesa and National U standout Troy Rosario, battles Team Beirut in Pool B at 4 p.m.
The competition features reigning world champion Novi Sad of United Arab Emirates, world No. 2 Ljubljana of Slovenia, which ruled the 2013 world edition; and No. 3 Team Doha, which got stunned by Manila West in last year’s Manila leg finals.