Foreign squads, Gilas Women’s 3x3 lead loaded Cebu Hustle Inaugural

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A strong mix of international squads, national team players, and homegrown Cebuana talent is set to headline the Cebu Hustle 3×3: The Inaugural on June 20-21 at the SM Seaside City Cebu Mountain Wing Area.

Twelve teams will see action in the two-day tournament, with squads from Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore joining some of the Philippines’ top women’s 3×3 teams in what organizers are billing as the biggest women’s 3×3 event held in Cebu in recent years.

READ: Cebu Hustle 3×3 women’s tourney set

The foreign contingent adds a competitive edge to the field, featuring Shinjuku Givers and Maurice Lacroix from Japan, Shoot It Dragons and CT Tigers from Thailand, Jumpshot from Singapore, and EST Jersey from Malaysia. They will be tested against a loaded local lineup led by Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3, Pilipinas Aguilas, Tol Patriots, and Uratex Dream.

Cebu will also be represented by Move Liloan and UP Cebu, giving local players a chance to compete on the same court as regional and national-level opposition.

Tournament director Peachy Medina said the event is designed to elevate both the competition and the fan experience while introducing Cebu to a higher level of women’s 3×3 basketball.

“Now in its fourth year, it’s high time to bring it to the Queen City of the South,” Medina said during Tuesday’s press conference at Citadines Hotel. “I really want to show how great and entertaining women’s basketball is right now. There is no better place than Cebu.”

READ: Gilas Pilipinas women off to 0-2 start in Fiba 3×3 World Cup

Medina added that the participating teams are arriving with serious intent.

“These players are really here to compete. They’ve invested in this opportunity and are flying to Cebu. These are very competitive teams,” she said. “The Hustle brand is not just about the players but also about the fan experience. We invite everyone to witness it at SM Seaside City Cebu.”

Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) Chairman Dr. Rhoel Dejano, Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC) head Popoy Navarro, and Move Liloan team owner-player Councilor Kath Jumapao also attended the launch.

For Jumapao, the tournament marks a meaningful step forward for women’s basketball in Cebu, which she said lacked consistent opportunities during her playing years at the University of San Carlos.

“During our time, opportunities were very limited. I’m happy that women’s basketball is back on many platforms,” she said. “The more events we organize, the more chances players have to compete and improve.”

Dejano, meanwhile, said the event gives Cebuano players a valuable platform to measure themselves against international competition and showcase local talent in the fast-rising 3×3 format.

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