Calvin Abueva during the Fiba 3×3 Manila Masters. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
After his scintillating showing in the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship, Calvin Abueva is representing the Philippines once again as he leads Manila North in the 2015 Fiba 3×3 World Tour Finals in Abu Dhabi.
The energetic forward has been given the green light by Alaska to play alongside Vic Manuel, Karl Dehesa, and Troy Rosario against the world’s best 3-on-3 players on October 15 and 16.
“They were already allowed by their clubs to participate,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios in Filipino.
Manila North is the lowest-ranked team in the 12-team pool, and will go up against Doha and Kranj in Pool D.
The team leaves for Abu Dhabi on October 13.
Reigning world champs and Manila Masters titlist Nivi Sad Al Wahda leads Pool A with Rio and Vilnius, the only undefeated team in the tournament.
Ljubljana banners Pool B with Santos and Denver, as Trbovlje, Kolobrzeg, and NY Harlem complete Pool C.
Barrios said that Manila North’s participation in the World Tour Finals is a huge step in increasing the popularity of three-on-three basketball.
“It’s a big thing for us, especially in the grassroots. We think it would really boost the sport in many ways,” said Barrios.
Terrence Romeo and Manila West participated in last year’s World Tour Finals before falling in the group stages.