Kaye Pingol isn’t willing to settle for anything less this year.
Knowing that Uratex Dream hasn’t really had the best performances when it comes to Manila Hustle 3x3, the No. 1-ranked women’s 3x3 player in the country is determined to steer her side to greater heights.
“We want to be better than last year,” she said, pumped to make her mark anew this Season 3 set this 8 and 9 February at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
“We also want to set a standard for us to inspire people with our game, especially the next generation.”
As much as Dream has been dominant in the local front and established themselves as the benchmark for Filipino 3x3 teams, their foray in the women’s 3x3 international invitational hasn’t been the kindest, missing the playoffs in the inaugural staging before falling short in the quarterfinals last year.
But Pingol is embracing the pressure, knowing that what Uratex Dream can do the most is to prepare and stay ready for this tilt co-presented by Uratex, Smart and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
“The pressure is always there. That’s why our coaches have been telling us that if we’re always ready and prepared, we’ll be contending,” the Pototan, Iloilo native said.
“We just look at that as motivation and take it in a positive way.”
Much is expected from the Dream this season. With Pingol leading the way, the team also welcomed seasoned national team star Afril Bernardino to its fold to join bruisers Sam Harada and Chinese reinforcement Li Renzhu.
That alone springs confidence for the squad as they believe that they’re better equipped to stand toe-to-toe against a tough 16-team field.
“I think this Dream Team is more matured from last year, especially after gaining experience from the Women’s Series and Red Bull Half Court World Finals,” Pingol added.
“Afril also got into the system right away and, in terms of chemistry, we’re no longer new with each other that’s why the flow is now easy and her addition really gave us a lot of confidence,” Pingol said.
Just like in the past two seasons, however, the former National University standout knows that all of those are just words now and the Dream will still have to put those plans into action.
“We’re hungry to win and we’ll do everything to reach our goal,” Pingol said.
“One step at a time but we really want to get that championship title.”