SBP executive director Erika Dy (middle) throws her all-out support to the coach Mau Belen (second from left) and the Manila Melmac squad that will be competing in the FIBA 3x3 Jakarta Challenger this weekend.
Photograph courtesy of MANILA MELMAC
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Manila Melmac is returning to the global FIBA 3x3 World Tour circuit.
Featuring the country’s former No. 1 3x3 player Mac Tallo along with Matthew Salem, Christian Manaytay, and Beninese import Adeshokan Odou, the squad dropped by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) office on Thursday before heading for the FIBA 3x3 Jakarta Challenger this weekend.
SBP executive director Erika Dy rallied behind the squad coached by seasoned mentors Mau Belen and Chico Lanete, saying that it has what it takes to gain valuable points that can send the country to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
“This is the new direction for Philippine 3x3 now, as mandated by SBP president Al Panlilio,” Dy said.
“We are supporting club teams like Manila Melmac by giving them slots on the tour. The valuable tour points they earn boost our federation’s ranking, and therefore improve our chances of making it to the Olympics. I’m confident this team will make their mark on the tour and contribute a lot to our quest for the Olympics. This is for the country so we are fully supporting them.”
Manila Melmac intensified its preparations for the Jakarta tourney by participating in the 2025 Halfcourt Courtside Fair at Okada Manila recently.
They swept the local competition, scoring wins over Baguio Highlanders, Taho Story, and the host squad Okada Manila.
In Jakarta, the team will face off against Spain’s Mataro and Romania’s Bucharest Stiinta in the qualifying round for a chance to enter the main draw. The Jakarta Challenger serves as a gateway to the Lausanne Masters happening in August.
Tallo expressed his excitement, not only about returning to 3x3 basketball, but also for finally getting the full backing of the national federation.
“In my long experience playing 3x3, this is really my dream: To play for the country. Getting the SBP support is such a huge morale-booster for us. We’ll definitely do our best to bring pride and glory to the country.”
