New league, new hope for collegiate cage players.
The One Dream Sportsman, headed by basketball coach Dr. Norman Afable, announced the holding of the APUG 3×3 Philippines – a qualifying tournament for the Asia Pacific University Games 3×3 Championship – slated on March 15 to 17 at the Marikina City Sports Gymnasium and Bulacan Center in Malolos.
Under the auspices of the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines, the league is open to all students aged 25-under and currently enrolled in schools, colleges, and universities with a mission to help propagate the development of basketball at the grassroots’ level. It is expected to open more opportunities for Filipino players to hone their skills and reach their potential of playing in local pro leagues and abroad.
“It’s an honor and great privilege, kaya nagpapasalamat ako na mapagkatiwalaan ng FESSAP to run this league and help our young players reach their full potential para maging handa sa pagkakataong dumating sa kanilang career,” said Afable, a former collegiate standout and organizers of grassroots’ basketball leagues.
“There’s a lot of opportunity now with a lot of pro leagues in the continents. In-demand ang ating mga players sa Korea, Japan and China as well as in the middle east. ‘Yung exposure na makukuha ng ating mga players ay malaking tulong para mas maging handa sila kung dadalhin nila ang career sa abroad,” added Afable, who serves as the league’s Chairman and Sports Marketing and Operation.
Another veteran coach, Jojo Castillo, is the tournament director.
Afable said the league seeks 20 school participants and is open to non-members and affiliated FESSAP schools. The deadline for the submission of entry is February 28.
“Schools are allowed to form two teams. We have targeted 20 participants, but if there are more teams to join, we will divide them into three groups. Format is single-round elimination,” said Afable.
Besides the P25,000 total pot purse, the top four teams in the event are automatically qualified for the Asia Pacific University Games 3×3 Championship, which the country is hosting in May.
