Blockbuster Manila Hustle 3x3 tilt a testament to burgeoning Philippine women’s hoops scene

MANILA, Philippines – The bigger and better staging of Manila Hustle 3x3 Season 2 was more than just a show of power by organizers Uratex and Smart as the cagefest drew crowds at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall over the weekend.

Rather, it was a symbol of something bigger brewing — for the growth of women’s basketball. At least, that is according to tournament director Peachy Medina.

More than raking in return of investment with the successful staging of the event, the two-day tournament was able to prove something that Medina has long been aware of: the quality of Philippine women’s basketball.

“Ang goal namin is to showcase the progress of women’s basketball, and seeing the reactions of the fans [here], they were engaged and entertained,” said Medina after the event.

A whopping 16 teams were on deck for only the second iteration of the 3x3 tournament, a far cry from the 10-team roster last year. The venue also moved to the heart of Pasay City, after previously being held in Robinsons Magnolia in Manila.

Almost half of the teams also featured Filipino players, with a total of seven home bets in the tiff. The rosters included various standouts from collegiate teams, while also featuring Gilas Pilipinas women’s players — with the Nationals even sending their own squad to the tournament.

Against teams from Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, India and Australia, the Filipinas held their ground, with Philippine bet Titans also reaching the finals.

Knowing how difficult it can be for Filipina players to grow locally, Medina couldn’t help but fawn over the locals’ growth.

“I’m very proud of the [Filipino] teams. They really put up a fight. Proud of all of the teams that competed,” she said.

As for what’s next for Manila Hustle, Medina remained coy on what to expect. Knowing the rapid rate of growth between the first two seasons, she and the rest of the organizers are keen on stepping things up again next year.

“Nakaka-pressure naman,” Medina said coyly when asked on next year’s plans.

“It’s very hard to upstage these kinds of events. But we always come up with something. Let’s see.”