3×3 gets more serious look

Chooks to Go is willing to roll the dice in supporting the 3×3 program of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. president Ronald Mascarinas said the country has a good potential to excel in this booming event that is now part of the official calendar of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

He said he is ready to bankroll an elite 3×3 program on top of a 3×3 national tournament in collaboration with the SBP following Gilas Pilipinas’ impressive performance in the recent FIBA 3×3 World Cup.

“Chooks to Go is committed to support the 3×3,” said Mascarinas, who has been funding the Gilas program since 2016, during the thanksgiving for Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 team late Thursday.

“We are behind the SBP to push this agenda forward.”

Composed of Troy Rosario, Stanley Pringle, Christian Standhardinger and Roger Pogoy, Gilas Pilipinas brushed off its short preparation en route to impressive wins over Brazil and Russia.

It had a chance to march to the quarterfinals, but their inexperience kicked in, resulting in late-game meltdowns to Mongolia and Canada.

Mascarinas said only a solid 3×3 roadmap can help Gilas Pilipinas gain additional experience in the international arena.

“There’s no concrete plan right now,” he said.

“But what is important is that the SBP, led by president Al Panlilio and executive director Sonny Barrios, is serious in forming a full-time 3×3 team and organizing a sustainable 3×3 tournament nationwide.”

Mascarinas added that he’s taking the first step to start the ball rolling.

“The next order is to sit down with SBP and agree on what to do. We are serious and willing to support our campaign for us to qualify in 3×3 Olympics,” said Mascarinas, who is also willing to bankroll Perlas Pilipinas’ 3×3 team.