THE Manila Chooks plunges back into action when it competes in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2023 Huishan Wuxi Challenger this weekend in China.
Leading the team in the Level 9 tournament to be held at the Wuxi Sunac Taihu Show Theatre from July 22 to 23 is the Philippines’ top-ranked 3x3 player, Mac Tallo, along with Dennis Santos, Cebuano Paul Desiderio, and returning import Marcus Hammonds.
Hammonds first joined the Chooks! stable when he represented Cebu Chooks! in the Riyadh Masters last season.
Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas said the team has done all it can to be in peak form for this tournament.
“We’ve started our shooting session with coach Renren (Ritualo) early this month, and a Serbian strength and conditioning coach will join the team as well,” Mascariñas said.
“Manila Chooks! needs more international exposure, (to) build chemistry, and gain more confidence in the pro circuit,” he added.
Seeded 11th in the main draw, Manila Chooks! will kick things off in Pool C play on Saturday, July 22, 2023 against world No. 7 club Beijing of China at 4:35 p.m. before facing world No. 15 Utrecht of the Netherlands at 9 in the evening.
The Wuxi Challenger also serves as a qualifier for the World Tour Shanghai Masters that will take place from Oct. 14 to 15, with the top three finishers assured of slots to the Level 10 event. (JNP)