MANILA – One Dream Sportsman, headed by basketball coach Dr. Norman Afable, on Monday announced the staging of the Asia Pacific University 3x3 tournament from March 15 to 17 at Marikina City Sports Gymnasium and Bulacan Center in Malolos.
The top four teams will qualify for the Asia Pacific University Games 3x3 Championship which the Philippines will host this May.
Under the auspices of the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP), the league is open to students 25 years and under, and are currently enrolled.
The league aims to help propagate the development of basketball at the grassroots level and provide more opportunities for Filipinos to hone their skills and reach their potential, which would enable them to play in pro leagues here and abroad.
“It’s an honor and great privilege, that's why I am thankful to FESSAP for trusting me to run this league and to help our young players reach their full potential so they will be ready for opportunities that come in their careers," said Afable, the league’s chairman who is also in charge of sports marketing and operation.
“There's a lot of opportunity now with many pro leagues in different continents. Our players are in demand in Korea, Japan, and China as well as in the Middle East," the former collegiate standout said. "The exposure that our players will get is a big help so that they will be better prepared if they take their career abroad."
Afable is expecting 20 schools --non-member and FESSAP-affiliated -- to join the league. The deadline of entry is on Feb. 28.
“Schools are allowed to form two teams. We are targeting 20, but if there are more teams, we will divide them into three groups. The format is single-round elimination,” he said.
Veteran coach Jojo Castillo is the league's tournament director. (PNA)
