Following a delay in its debut due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the PBA is looking to launch its 3x3 league later this year with the help of new 3x3 tournament director Eric Altamirano.
Altamirano helmed the successful Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 circuit before parting ways with the league in Nov. 2020. He also served as its lead trainer for Pasig, and Zamboanga, afterwards.
Team governor Dickie Bachmann of Alaska said on Thursday that Altamirano's hiring was a decision that was easy to make.
"Basically for me, it's a no-brainer. He's experienced in running the 3x3. I guess I will learn from him and the PBA in running the 3x3 so it makes sense to actually hire someone to handle everything on 3x3. It's a big advantage for us to hire him," said Bachmann, who is also the chairman of PBA 3x3.
Altamirano is set to meet formally with Bachmann, along with the other officials of the PBA 3x3 committee, in order to plot their future plans. The body will be presenting its plans in the league's next board meeting on Feb. 26.
Following the exodus of the top players of Chooks 3x3 to the PBA like top-ranked Joshua Munzon, no. 2 Alvin Pasaol, no. 5 Troy Rike, no.6 Leonard Santillan, and no. 8 Franky Johnson, Bachmann mentioned that in the event they get drafted, they will still have a chance to play in the tournaments.
"Those players earned those points already, they are already qualified to join," explained Bachmann. Some of the players are also set to represent the Philippines in the upcoming FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament this May in Austria.
Salary will differ from the regular 5-on-5 contract, since every leg has a designated cash prize. Tournament schedule will most likely not interfere with regular PBA schedule, and will be held during the break, and will last around 3 or 4 legs. Moreover, instead of the originally planned 3 conferences, there will be only two pocket tourneys.
All 12 teams have signified intention to join, while four to five additional teams are looking to enter as well.