Cebu Hustle 3x3 plans return after successful Cebu inaugural

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu Hustle 3×3 tournament director Peachy Medina is optimistic that the event will return to Cebu following the success of its inaugural leg held over the weekend.

Despite initial concerns about staging an international women’s 3×3 basketball tournament in what she described as a basketball scene largely dominated by men’s competitions, Medina said the organizers decided to bite the bullet and bring the event to Cebu.

The gamble paid off.

READ: At Cebu Hustle 3×3, Filipina squads sweep into quarterfinals

The tournament featured 12 teams, evenly split between local and international squads, including two homegrown Cebu teams that battled for supremacy in the women’s 3×3 competition.

When the final buzzer sounded, Japan’s Shinjuku Givers emerged as champions after dismantling the Philippines’ Uratex Dream in a one-sided 21-8 victory before a packed crowd at the Mountain Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City Cebu.

Enthusiastic crowd

“I was really pleasantly surprised because at the start we were afraid we’re not going to attract the basketball fans because they’re so used to men’s basketball,” Medina told CDN Digital after the tournament.

“So I’m really very happy to see the crowd turning out and they really stayed for the event. I’m really very happy.”

Medina also revealed that convincing teams to join the tournament became much easier once they learned the event would be held in Cebu.

READ: Japan’s Shinjuku Givers win inaugural Cebu Hustle 3×3 trophy

According to her, participating teams viewed Cebu as a paradise destination, making it an attractive stop not only because of its tourism appeal but also because of its rich basketball culture.

“First of all, it was very easy to invite teams. When you say Cebu, they really regard it as paradise. So it wasn’t hard to invite stellar teams to join,” Medina said.

Buoyed by the success of the Cebu leg, the organizers are keen on bringing the tournament back, although no definite timetable has been set as they continue exploring opportunities to stage future editions in other major cities.

Cebu always a prime option

“Yeah, so definitely there will be a next time, but I’m not sure if it’s going to be every year. We hold this in Manila every year, so we’re thinking if we’re going to hold it in another city. But of course, Cebu will always be considered for the second city,” she explained.

Beyond the competition itself, Medina noted the value of the tournament in providing international exposure to local teams, particularly the Gilas Pilipinas Under-23 Women’s Team and the Pilipinas Aguilas.

She noted that competing against foreign opposition is vital preparation for the teams’ upcoming international commitments later this year.

“This is a crucial part of their exposure. The more games you play, the more tournaments you play, the better you’ll get,” Medina said.

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