PBA pushing to start 3x3 tilt before 5-on-5 league

April 22 ------ The PBA is pushing to kick off the inaugural 3x3 tournament ahead of the 5-on-5 tilt as soon as it gets its hands on coronavirus vaccines. Its 46th season delayed due to stricter quarantine measures in Greater Manila, the PBA has its eyes on a May or June launch pending the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force. "We feel it is easier to start [the] 3x3 [league] because there are fewer personnel involved," PBA vice chairman Bobby Rosales said in a press conference on Tuesday, April 20. "This hinges on the vaccination program we will be conducting."

Sixteen teams are confirmed to see action in the maiden 3x3 tiff. Ten PBA ball clubs will have their own 3x3 iterations: Barangay Ginebra, TNT, San Miguel, Meralco, NorthPort, Rain or Shine, Magnolia, Columbian, Phoenix, and NLEX. Alaska decided not to participate in the half-court variant as its governor Dickie Bachmann serves as the PBA 3x3 chairman, while Blackwater begged off due to financial constraints.

Completing the 16-team cast are guest squads Zamboanga Valientes, Master Sardines, Big Boss Cement, Phenom-BRT Sumisip, Pioneer Epoxy, and Geanaux Systems Corporation. Each of the 6 guest teams will pay P2 million as participation fee.

Source: rappler.com