MANILA, Philippines - Black Mamba 3x3, basketball’s latest craze, kicks off its inaugural edition Sept. 8 in Quezon City for the first of a 16-city leg tour in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The meet, composed of the first 30 teams to register per leg, is open to all players 16-years old and above, including former professionals.
The tournament, to be held simultaneously with the launching of the Black Mamba energy drink in the local market, will be held every Saturday and Sunday, with the elimination round culminating on Nov. 8, before the grand finals on Nov. 15 to be held at Harrison Plaza.
“As we all know, 3x3 basketball is a fast rising tournament that has been worldwide now. Kasi lagi na lang puro 5-on-5 especially sa mga barangay. So we deemed it best to develop and promote 3x3 basketbal,” said Black Mamba advertising consultant Joel Salindong during the event launching at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Shakey’s Malate on Tuesday.
The holding of the event comes on the heels of the country’s successful hosting of the Manila leg of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour held at Robinsons Place Manila.
After Quezon City, other legs include Manila, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Malabon, Navotas, Marikina, Pasay, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, Makati and San Juan.
David Aldrin Arce, product manager of Carbridge Group Phil. Inc., who also appeared in the session presented by San Miguel Corp., Shakey’s, Accel, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., together with Daniel Du and Martin Lim, said plans are also afoot about making the event nationwide.
“But for starters, NCR muna tayo,” he said.
The grand finals will feature all 16 champion teams per leg, with Black Mamba endorsers, cage star Marc Pingris and Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterted, hopefully gracing the event.