Patriots a darkhorse in Cebu 3x3

It’s a wide-open field in the 12-team Cebu Hustle 3x3 International Invitational Tournament at the SM Seaside City on June 20-21 but all eyes will be on the TOL Patriots as the darkhorse with a souped-up roster led by a pair of hotshot imports.

The Patriots were assembled by DOLE Secretary and former senator Francis Tolentino who initially sponsored a 5x5 squad in the WMPBL and is now focused on 3x3. “I’m helping 3x3 women’s basketball grow,” he said. “Just held a U18 competition in Tagaytay called Court Queens. We’re excited to join the Cebu Hustle and compete against top teams in Asia.” The Patriots are coached by Haydee Ong with assistant Jude Paulite.

Comprising the Patriots lineup are Kent Pastrana of UST, Snow Penaranda of La Salle, Maddie Burke of Penn State and Villanova and incoming Coppin State freshman Arly Zapata of the Dominican Republic. Burke, 24, is a pure shooter who learned how to stroke from legendary Philadelphia coach and Hall of Famer Herb Magee. She’s coming off a stint in the Portuguese league and after playing in Cebu, a three-month contract awaits in Puerto Rico. Burke’s father Chris saw action as a 6-10 import in Spain, Switzerland, France, Ireland and Argentina then set up a wire and cable distribution company that became widely successful.

Zapata, 18, is a 6-2 center who was recruited by St. John’s University and eventually chose to enroll at Coppin State where PBA veterans Rafi Reavis and Dorian Peña played. Tolentino was in Temecula, California, to attend Jimuel Pacquiao’s wedding as a sponsor last Friday and stayed only 18 hours then flew back to Manila with Zapata who hooked up in Los Angeles. Burke came in from Bangkok where she was on vacation with friends. Zapata and Burke are relishing the opportunity to play high-level 3x3. Burke’s extensive varsity experience was highlighted by games against WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. Her favorite player is Stephen Curry while Zapata’s an Anthony Edwards fan.

The teams battling in the Cebu Hustle 3x3 are the Patriots, Shinjuku Givers of Japan, EST Jersey of Malaysia, Pilipinas Gilas, Move Liloan, Jumpshot of Singapore, UP Cebu Fighting Maroons, Uratex Dream, Gilas U23, Shoot It Dragons of Thailand, CT Tigers of Thailand and Maurice Lacroix of Japan. The champion will receive $3,000 with the runner-up taking $2,000 and third placer, $1,000.