by Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA
MANILA — A total of 12 teams from the Asia Pacific will slug it out in the first ever FIBA 3×3 Asia Pacific Super Quest at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong this weekend.
The squads were formally unveiled during the welcome dinner at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria Ballroom in Pasig on Friday night.
Among those that are anticipated in the tournament is Team Ulaanbataar, which is basically composed of the Mongolian national team that played in last year’s FIBA 3×3 World Cup at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue.
Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh-based Saigon Aces will have some Filipino taste in former Adamson player Ryan Monteclaro and former Far Eastern University foreign student-athlete Prince Orizu.
Also bringing in a familiar face is Anytours M1of Hong Kong, which signed up former Alab Pilipinas import Reggie Okosa for the event.
Teams from Japan, Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, South Korea, Indonesia, China, and Australia will also take part in the event.
Looking to defend their home are Bataan and Pasig.
“We have probably some of the best teams in Asia. I think this will be a very nice competition,” said FIBA 3×3 Managing Director Alex Sanchez, who graced the welcome dinner as well.