Miami rules 3x3 Cebu Masters, Manila Chooks books quarters finish

MANILA, Philippines — Former NBA player Jimmer Fredette stamped his class as Miami escaped with a 22-19 win over Vienna to conquer the Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3x3 World Tour Cebu Masters last weekend at the SM Seaside City Cebu.

Fredette, a former first-round pick in the NBA, put on a show in front of Filipino fans with nine points in the finale capped by the game-winner in the last 46 seconds.

The 34-year-old ace, who also had tours of duty in Asia, including in the Chinese Basketball Association, was named the Cebu Masters MVP.

Fredette drew support from Canyon Barry, Kareem Maddox and Dylan Travis as the American team claimed a first leg title since 2019. The effort rewarded them a ticket to the FIBA 3x3 World Tour finals in Jeddah on top of the $40,000 grand prize.

Miami’s stellar run included a 21-13 upset of world No. 1 Ub Huishan of Serbia.

The champs lauded the country’s warm 3x3 hosting.

“This is an unbelievable tournament. Chooks-to-Go and FIBA did a great job putting it on. The fans here are the best in the world – the atmosphere, the energy, the support in every game all day long is incredible,” said Barry, son of NBA Hall of Famer Rick. “Big shout out to the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3. Thank you for having us.”

Home bet Manila Chooks, meanwhile, broke through with a quarterfinal finish highlighted by a 21-17 win over world No. 12 Futian of China.

Cebuano pride Mac Tallo, the country’s No. 1 3x3 player, led the way as Chooks registered a maiden win in the top-level World Tour Masters since the Manila Masters last year.

Meanwhile, Tallo fell short versus Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy’s Steve Sir in the two-point shootout finals, 14-13, as world champion Rafal “Lipek” Lipinski of Poland beat the Philippines’ David “Air”