Manila Chooks 3×3 squad gear up for FIBA World Tour

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Manila Chooks squad is all set and ready to compete in the 2021 FIBA 3X3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Masters.

Despite a more rejuvenated lineup formed by the coaching staff, the Manila Chooks team will be facing back-to-back tough challenges as they are set to clash with world no. 4 Liman of Serbia and no. 5 Amsterdam Talent&Pro of the Netherlands in Pool D.

Manila 3×3 staples Mac Tallo, Zach Huang, and Chico Lanete will be heading the pool backstopped by newly-acquired Mike Nzeusseu and reserve Mark Yee.

“First time nating lumabas ngayong pandemic eh, so well, excited kasi ‘yung competition nandoon eh and it’s different if you’re not with them and it’s really difficult to motivate them ‘pag nasa Zoom ka lang eh. It will be a good opportunity tapos magaguide mo sila personally so good thing na makakasama,” said head coach Aldin Ayo.

Nearly two months ago, the quartet had their first game as a squad and chemistry issues were a factor as the Manila Chooks struggled with the turnover.

With the team now earning more exposure including the recent Chooks-to-Go 3×3 tournament, coach Ayo hopes his team will finally mesh together as a unit.

The addition of NCAA superstar big man Nzeusseu will provide a huge boost for the team as his athleticism and size will afford them a much-needed presence in the paint if they want to keep up with Liman and Talent&Pro once Pool D begins.

“Nakikita ko si Mike nung naglalaro siya sa Lyceum. And sabi ko nga I’m thankful na hindi ko siya inabot doon noong nasa NC pa kami. Nandoon sa kanya ‘yung materials na pwede mo talaga gamitin sa 3×3. He’s big, he’s agile, he’s an athlete, he’s skilled,” added Ayo.

The team is currently quarantined at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Resort and will begin their FIBA Abu Dhabi campaign today.