Japan’s top women’s 3x3 player all praises for Manila Hustle hosting

MANILA, Philippines – World No. 25 3x3 player Aoi Katsura had nothing but good words after her second tournament in the Philippines as she led the Zoos Tokyo to the crown in Manila Hustle 3x3 Season 2 over the weekend.

A personal witness to the intense competition and electric atmosphere at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, Katsura praised not only the quality of teams she came across, but also the fans who were catching the action live.

“I’m very, very impressed,” gushed Katsura, who was also named tournament MVP.

“These kinds of tournaments with international teams... [there’s also] amazing fans here,” she added.

Filipino fans had a lot to cheer for, as there were seven local teams represented in the two-day cagefest, which also featured teams from Japan, Thailand, Korea, Australia, Singapore, and India.

Katsura herself was among the Filipino crowd favorites as she drew oohs and aahs with her sharp shooting from 2-point land.

But more than supporting herself and her team, the Japanese cager was left in awe of the Filipinos’ knowledge of the game.

“I really think [Filipinos] know basketball, and it’s fun to play in front of them.” she said.

In her first stint in Manila, Katsura and Zoos Tokyo failed to finish in the podium of the inaugural season of Manila Hustle 3x3.

But now, with a bigger and better pool of teams — with seven countries represented across 16 squads — Katsura relished winning it all at the right time.

“Manila Hustle is one of the toughest tournaments so I’m happy to get this kind of result,” she said.

The top 3x3 cager also said she wants to return to Manila again for the next editions of the tournament presented by Uratex and Smart.

Katsura was joined by Yuuna Onodera, Ama Degbeon, and Asako Asaba in the tournament which they swept, winning all six games en route to the title.

Zoos Tokyo beat Philippine bets Titans, 21-13, in the final last Sunday to clinch the crown.