The official website of the Abu Dhabi 3×3 Basketball is presenting you the 12 teams that will take part in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final, October 15-16, Nation Towers. Today: Team Manila North.
The name: Manila North
The players: Calvin Abueva, Troy Rosario, Vic Manuel, Karl Dehesa
The ranking: 12
The game: The lightest team in the competition, with an average of 98 kg and one of the shortest, many can believe that Manila North is relying on one of the stars of the 3×3 game, Calvin Abueva. His nickname, “The Beast” is not for granted, he earned it, mainly because of the defensive skills, but all the other three teammates are contributing heavily on the offensive end. They will probably face some troubles in front of a stronger team, but they will definitely play their heart out for the win. Their balanced offense, with all the four players able to score and their speed are strong arguments in their favor.
The story: Even if they are the 12th seed in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final, they like to be the underdogs. It happened also in the first Masters of the year, on their home soil, where they surprised everybody. They left behind the 2013 WT champions, Ljubljana in the quarter finals and they eliminate in the semifinals the big local rivals Manila West, with the already superstar Terence Romeo in the team. Abueva just came short in the chase of the Olympic dream with the Gilas Pilipinas and now he will focus only on the 3×3 World Tour Final from Abu Dhabi. Abueva and Manuel are playing for the same PBA Team, Alaska Aces and reached the final of both the Philippines Cup and the Governors’ Cup in 2015. While Troy Rosario is the youngest of the team and he just finished a successful collegiate career at National University, Karl Dehesa is the oldest member, together with Rosario. Dehesa is playing alongside Manny Pacquaio, the boxing legend having his own PBA team where he serves also as head coach and occasional player.
The achievements:
Qualified for the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final after finishing 2nd at the Manila Masters
Finished 7th at the 2014 FIBA 3×3 World Tour Manila Masters
The highlights – Manila North eliminates big favorites Ljubljana from Slovenia on their way to the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final:
Official site of the Abu Dhabi 3x3 Basketball 