MANILA, Philippines—Pasig Chooks-to-Go is fielding an All-Filipino lineup in the FIBA 3X3 Huaqiao International Kunshan Challenger after its foreign reinforcements suffered injuries.
Taking up the Philippine flag in the tournament are Dylan Ababou, Taylor Statham, Joshua Munzon, and Troy Rike.
“We are sending the original Pasig Kings team. This is the actual team that qualified for the Doha Masters for winning the Chooks-to-Go President’s Cup,” said league commissioner Eric Altamirano.
Serbian wing Nikola Pavlovic is nursing a swollen left hand while Angelo Tsagarakis suffered a semi fractured hip during the Doha Masters last April 18.
Pasig is grouped with world no. 3 team Liman of Serbia and Sosnovy BorCopRosatom of Russia.
“It’s going to be tough. We are facing Liman and one Russian team. It’s going to be a tough group but hopefully, with their familiarity of the players with each other, that can be an advantage for us,” said Altamirano as Pasig defeated Liman during the group stages of the Doha Masters, 19-16. “Also, Josh and Taylor gained a lot of experience in Doha.”
Pasig starts off against Sosnovy on Saturday at 5:55 pm before taking on LIman at 7:40 pm.
The top two teams of each group will advance to the knockout playoffs stage on Sunday.
The winner of the tournament will advance to the Chengdu Masters and receive USD 15,000 while the second place team wins USD 10,000 with the third and fourth-placed squads earning USD 5,000 and USD 2,000, respectively.