THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) 3x3 Under 16 (2002) Regional Finals will kick off at 9 a.m. today at the Felcris Centrale Alfresco Activity Center.

SBP executive program officer Ronel Leuterio, in yesterday's press conference held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, said the two-day event will feature 32 teams in the boys division and 16 teams in the girls event.

"SBP is urged to hold programs like the 3x3 since it is already an Olympic sports and is now included in Palarong Pambansa. It could also help open opportunity to players to be discovered," Leuterio said, adding that the regional finals is a qualifying event to the National Finals slated third week of October in Manila.

Winners will earn slots to the nationals and receive cash prize of P10,000.

The second and third placers will take home P3,000 and P2,000, respectively.

Leuterio also said that SBP will give free jerseys to all teams.

However, SBP regional director and presidential adviser for sports Glenn Escandor will grace the awarding rites.