128 teams to vie in BEST 3-on-3

MANILA, Philippines - A total of 128 teams from various parts of Luzon are expected to see action in the first 3-on-3 competition of the Basketball Efficiency Scientific Training (BEST) sponsored by Milo Ready to Drink on Nov. 15 at the Ateneo covered courts in Katipunan, Quezon City.

The tournament, also supported by Freego and Rain or Shine, will follow the format of the basketball’s international federation (FIBA) which organized the annual FIBA 3-on-3 World Tour.

Eighty teams composed of a maximum of four players from each squad will play in the boys’ 15-and-under (players born in 2000), and 48 teams squads in the boys’ 12-and-under (born 2003).

Matches start at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

“The 3-on-3 has become a development program of FIBA, and we’d also like to have that kind of grassroots program in the country,” said BEST founder Nic Jorge at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Shakey’s Malate yesterday.

“It’s our share for basketball development in the country, and in helping develop the skills of our youth through the sport,” said Milo Sports executive Robbie de Vera, who also appeared in the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Shakey’s, Accel, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. along with tournament commissioner Edwin Barber.

Champion team pockets P10,000, while second, third and fourth placers will get P6,000, P3,000 and P1,000, respectively.

Star cagers and BEST Center graduates Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Chris Tiu, and Jeff Chan are expected to grace the event.