The TAT experience

PASSI CITY, Iloilo – This warm, quiet, hospitable city hosted The Asian Tournament (TAT) for the second time, this time the first leg of the Winter Tournament. Luckily, this time around, this writer was able to experience the outstanding hospitality firsthand. Never have we seen a local government so devoted to sports.

“We really love basketball here in Passi,” admits their extremely active mayor, Atty. Stephen Palmares. “With The Asian Tournament, the people have the rare chance to watch high-level basketball in person. They get excited by all the dunks during the games.”

This grueling leg had the seven teams play 21 games in just seven days, all covered expertly for broadcast by Nudge+. The up-tempo games and incredible talent on display is a thrill to watch. The exciting and entertaining young guard Momo Kone, the locals’ favorite player, exploded for 52 points Friday night, The Aces’ imposing 7’5” man-mountain of an import Sam Deguara, the tallest active basketball player in the world, erupted for 42 points on 21 of 22 field goal shooting in only his first game on Thursday. Filipino players like Andrian Celada, Marvin Lee and Denzel Wong have also risen up to meet the challenge of multiple imports. Even veterans like Ken Bono and James Martinez have used their savvy to earn their own highlights.

Meanwhile, young Chinese teams like the Guangzhou Loong Lions and Macau Black Bears (coached by 18-year PBA veteran Jay Washington) played all-out every game. Despite their youth, they’ve pushed all their opponents to the limit and turned a lot of heads in the process.

Aside from their ongoing inter-barangay basketball competition, the city has continuous youth basketball tournaments. With the impressive City of Passi Arena (the only air-conditioned gymnasium in the province) the PBA has played here twice already. The sports-loving mayor also makes sure that there are big monthly events to keep the citizen entertained.

In the upcoming months, Passi will stage international cycling and billiards events. And in April of next year, The Asian Tournament will return.

TAT chief operations officer Joe Wang has promised to continue delivering more quality games. The next leg of TAT’s Winter Tournament will be played at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna from Nov. 4 to 10. The players are looking forward to another great reception from the locals, and amazing food. With more teams set to join, it will be another great opportunity for Filipino fans to catch world-class basketball in person.