Introduction of 3-on-3 basketball competition in Cesafi gets varying feedback
The news of the addition of a 3-on-3 competition in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) drew different reactions from local basketball personalities.
Some coaches and players welcomed the introduction of the 3×3 basketball tournament for the college division as it offers them another avenue to showcase their talent.
The competition is slated on October 21, though the venue has yet to be announced.
Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) forward Mark Christian Kong remarked that he was excited for the upcoming tourney as he and his Cesafi brethren need more exposure.
“It’s a good opportunity for players who don’t want basketball to stop. Some players need more exposure and I think it will help us become better and more mature. I think having the 3×3 tournament will have a positive impact on the players,” said Kong, who is fresh off a 33-point outburst that led his Wildcats to their very first win in the Cesafi this season.
University of the Visayas (UV) point guard Sheldon Gahi added that this 3×3 tournament will give players an avenue to really showcase their talent.
“That’s a great chance for players to show off their playing skills since there are fewer people on the floor,” said the feisty guard who is ranked second in assists this season.
It is a sentiment echoed by University of Cebu forward JR Puerto who said, “That’s where players with individual skills really shine.”
Bring back excitement
But not all were keen with the idea.
UV assistant coach and lead scout Van Halen Parmis offered a different take on the new addition to the basketball slate of the league.
“I don’t like the idea of having the 3×3 in Cesafi. I would rather think of a better way to bring back the excitement in the regular basketball, like bringing the games to the province,” he said. “That way there will be something new to talk about. In 3×3, if ever, there is no competition after that,
unlike the regular basketball, they will look forward to the competitions ahead that they are entitled to participate after winning the Cesafi.”
3-on-3 basketball
*each team is composed of four players, three to play and one substitution
*first to 21 points or whoever leads after 10 minutes wins.
*scoring is one point inside the regular three-point arc and two points from beyond