PBA 3×3 set to begin with six legs this inaugural conference
PBA 3×3 Media day on Saturday at Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines — After much delay, the PBA’s inaugural 3×3 season is set to finally roll off on November 20 at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
A total of 13 teams, which have been divided into three pools, will compete in six legs this conference with familiar names—led by seven-time PBA champion Larry Fonacier and former Finals MVP Mac Cardona—seeing action.
“The PBA is very committed for this 3×3 and just like coach Ronnie (Magsanoc) said, we have been planning this since 2018 and now it’s finally happening,” said PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial in Filipino on Saturday during the draw and media day.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas also expressed its full backing to the PBA 3×3.
What pool does your team belong to in the 1st leg? #PBA3x3#LakasNgTatlo pic.twitter.com/6hFuaHXsTc
— PBA3x3 (@PBA_3x3) November 13, 2021
“We, at the SBP, fully support the opening of the PBA 3×3 tournament as this contributes to our federation’s ranking points,” SBP president Al Panlilio said.
“This means that our federation and the PBA are working together toward the achievement of our dream to send the Philippines’ 3×3 delegation all the way to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.”
TNT Tropang Giga, Purefoods TJ Titans, Zamboanga Valientes, Limitless App Masters and Platinum Karaoke make up Pool A.
Barangay Ginebra, Terrafirma, Meralco Bolts and Sista Super Sealers comprise Pool B while the San Miguel Beermen, NorthPort Batang Pier, Cavitex Braves and Pioneer Pro Tibay were drawn in Pool C.
The top three teams in Pool A while the two best teams in Pools B and C make the knockout quarterfinals after a single round elimination.
The eighth and final quarterfinals ticket will go to the winner of the KO match between the third-best team in Pools A and C.
The semifinals and finals will also be winner-take-all.
A P100,000 cash prize is in store for the leg champion while the second and third placers pocket P50,000 and P30,000, respectively.
A grand finals will also take place featuring the 10 best teams after the six legs where a P750,000 top prize is at stake.
The PBA 3×3 was originally scheduled to launch in March of last year but was pushed back due to the pandemic.
