Dondon Hontiveros. | CDN file
Cebu City, Philippines – The road that the Cebu City-Max4 Birada has to take in the upcoming Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup, set on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at the SM Megamall Events Center, will not be an easy one.
It will be a daunting challenge for the team of former PBA great, Cebuano Hotshot Dondon Hontiveros, as they are grouped with the Pasay Voyagers and the Vigan Wolves.
But for Hontiveros, he wouldn’t have it any other way as he wants to give these young bucks — led by Cesafi MVP Rey Anthony Suerte, JR Puerto, Nichole Ubalde, Fletcher Galvez and Red Cachuela — a chance to prove that they belong in the big leagues.
“Iba ang level of competition sa 3×3. It’s really all out,” Hontiveros said. “Mahirap din kasi sa logistics pa lang, talo na kami. We’re just one of the two teams from the south, together with Zamboanga (Valientes), but no excuses. We’ll go there and fight as hard as we can.”
Read more: Hontiveros likes chances of Cebu City-Max4 in Presidents Cup
“We’ll try to do our best in representing Cebu. May pride para sa amin eh. There’s this opportunity. Kahit nakalaro na sila sa Cesafi, ibang liga ito eh.”
Hontiveros even hinted at the possibility that he would also play in this competition with the Birada just parading five players on their roster.
“I’m in good shape and I’ve been working out,” Hontiveros remarked, with a sly smile. “But I will leave it to the team owner. If he asks, maybe, but now I’m happy to give the opportunity to the kids.”
Hontiveros last played in the PBA in 2017 for the Alaska Aces. He also suited up for the ALAB Pilipinas in 2018.
The Cebuano, who used to play for the University of Cebu, will compete in the three-point shootout of the event. /bmjo