13 teams start rumble for first PBA 3x3 crown

MANILA, Philippines — Pioneers in the PBA 3x3 led by comebacking veterans Larry Fonacier and Mac Cardona and Fil-Am Brandon Ganuelas Rosser take center stage as the three-a-side hoopfest kicks off today in Pasig City.

For the next two days, stalwarts of the 13 ballclubs duke it out a the Ynares Sports Arena for the bragging rights as the opening leg champions of the stand-alone PBA 3x3. The leg champion gets P100,000.

The games begin at 2 p.m., marking the pro league’s return to Metro Manila and serving as an appetizer before the Governors’ Cup. The import-spiced 5-on-5 conference is targeted for a late November or early December tipoff.

Fonacier of the Cavitex Braves and Cardona of the Zamboanga Valientes are using the PBA 3x3 as their return platforms.

“Matagal akong nawala because of the pandemic but by God’s grace, NLEX was kind enough to give me a chance to stay with the team and give me a chance to play in 3x3 (under Cavitex),” said Fonacier, who sat out the last two All-Filipino tourneys.

“I’m excited. It’s a new experience. At least makakalaro ng maraming minutes here and play with the younger guys. It always gives me motivation to lead the young guys,” he added.

The 40-year-old Cardona plays in the PBA after his last stint with GlobalPort in 2017.

“Very thankful ako, so blessed na despite yung nangyari sa buhay ko makakalaro pa rin ako dito,” he said.

Rosser of Limitless App looks to get used to the Filipino brand of play before next year’s rookie draft.

“I’ve been a fan of the PBA for so long now, just watching my brother (Terrafirma’s Matt Ganuelas Rosser). To finally get my feet wet, I’m looking forward to it,” said Rosser, whose team opens hostilities in Pool A against the Purefoods TJ Titans.