TNT and Uratex following their respective victories in the Red Bull Half Court National Finals. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Almond Vosotros and TNT added another feather to their cap in 3×3 after ruling the Red Bull Half Court 2023 National Finals on Saturday at Taguig Community Center.
Fresh off a silver medal finish in the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games last month, Vosotros led TNT past CAVITEX, 21-20, to book a ticket to the Red Bull Half Court World Finals in Belgrade, Serbia in September.
TNT, a perennial winner in PBA 3×3, also drew contributions from Gryann Mendoza, Ping Exciminiano and Lervin Flores.
“For me, the experience is always there, so that’s a big help for me. Ping and Gryann adapted as well. Plus, we’ve been together for a long time so I think that’s our advantage,” said Vosotros, one of the top 3×3 players in the country.
Meanwhile, Uratex Dream emerged on top in the women’s side after turning back Team FILA, 16-13, in the finals.
Kaye Pingol, Mikka Cacho, Samantha Harada, and Blanche Bahuyan helped Uratex top seven other teams to also earn a trip to Serbia for the World Finals.
“We really prepared for it and we will prepare even more for the World Finals in Serbia,” team owner Peachy Medina said.
“It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us. We hope to represent the Philippines and Philippine basketball well at such a grand event like the Red Bull World Finals where you get to play against more than 20 countries,” she added.
Following a successful turnout, tournament commissioner Eric Altamirano believes it’s only the beginning for Red Bull Half Court Philippines.
“I think it’s a good start for Red Bull Half Court and I think they’re going to do this every year, so this is a good jumping point for the program. Sure, next year madami na mag pe-prepare, marami sasali pa, (there’ll be a lot of people who will prepare and join) and everyone will be looking forward to the event every year,” said Altamirano.