PINURI ng Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) ang University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) sa kanilang pagdaraos ng isa na namang matagumpay na 3x3 tournament sa nakalipas na weekend sa Ayala Malls Feliz sa Pasig City.

Personal na pinapurihan ni SBP President Al Panlilio ang UAAP sa pagtulong sa national basketball federation upang mabilis na mai- promote ang sport.

“The alignment forged by the UAAP 3x3 organizers with the SBP is what we’ve been actively espousing. We are very pleased that the UAAP 3x3 with their 3x3 commissioner Xavier Nunag and SBP 3x3 program head Ronnie Magsanoc were able to establish a strong link and partnership that benefitted our country in our goal to generate as many points as possible,” pahayag ni Panlilio.

“Remember that 3x3 is now an Olympic sport and that’s why I am calling on all independent 3x3 event organizers to align with coach Ronnie so that they can be guided accordingly on the correct formula in running their respective tournaments,” aniya.

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Sinegundahan naman ni Magsanoc ang naturang sentimiyento kasabay ng pahayag na inaasahan nilang magpapatuloy ang partnership nila ng UAAP na isa sa mga posibleng pagmulan ng mga 3x3 players para sa national team.

“On behalf of the SBP, we are grateful to the UAAP for helping the national program of the 3x3. Some of the best and brightest 3x3 players traced their roots in the UAAP,” ani Magsanoc.

“Players like Ricci Rivero, Juan Gomez de Liano, Thirdy Ravena, Jack Animam of women’s basketball have represented the country playing for the national team. Looking forward to having the discipline as a part of the regular sports competition for Season 82,” aniya.

Pinasalamatan naman ni UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag ang SBP, ang media at mga fans sa kanilang pagsuporta kung kaya nagibg matagumpay ang nakaraang Season 81 edition ng 3x3.

“This year’s iteration, may I say was a smashing success – so much so that we definitely need a bigger venue next year,” pahayag ni Saguisag.

“From the players, the media coverage and most importantly the fans, the UAAP Season 81 3x3 did not lack in star power. The UAAP is definitely looking at making 3x3 a regular event. For now, allow us to thank everyone for giving us a great time! See you in Season 82.”

Nagpasalamat naman si Nunag sa SBP sa pagtulong gaya ng pagpapahiram ng international standard courts at game officials.

“The UAAP 3x3, headed by the host Far Eastern University, does not only give the athletes an avenue and platform to play basketball and represent their respective schools,” ani Nunag.

“At the same time, along with the SBP, it has made a successful effort to help out the county’s bid to become one of the top countries in 3x3 basketball,” dagdag nito.