Basketball 3x3 to defend golds

The pressure is on for the Banana Magnates Basketball 3x3 team a few days before the opening of the 2019 DAVRAA Meet in Davao City.

While the roster of unanticipated goldmedal-bringer for the entire delegation included both divisions in last year’s teams, Banana Magnates carefully selected allneophyte men lined-up from various Panabo City schools whose focus is on muscle and core strength and different drills.

“Our players are undersized, so we are focusing on shooting techniques,” said Coach Cedric Dosol. “We should not forget too that good perimeter shooting can tear down the opponents’ defense,” he added.

According to Rullen Galigao, originally a 5x5 player from San Vicente National High School but was scouted for the team of Coach Dosol, “Pressured kaayo mi kay ang nag-una sa amo kay naka-gold, pero ako ug akong mga kauban naningkamot nga maretain namo ang gold.”

Alongside the male cagers, the training seemed to be unyielding for the women’s division players who were Palarong Pambansa qualifiers last year.

“We are really pressured because we know our opponents are prepared for the battle well this time,” said Palarong Pambansa coach, Aries Bastian, who focused his athletes on developing endurance and stamina.

“Basta we just enjoyed the game,” shared Dyna Mae Lampara when asked how they got the gold last year for the introduction of 3x3 as a regular sport.

Unlike other games, the basketball 3x3 training is far from over as they still have few days before the event commences.

Though time is ticking fast, these two teams redeemed every single of whatever is left for their drills and practice; resting to eat and sleep for a while, but always getting back in time to realize what they were training for; defend for the gold medals. #kenharveyfamor

AN EYE FOR THE RING: Rullen Galigao (21) contacts Justin Castillo (08) and commits a foul.

Captioned by Jeanne Bajao & Photo credits Ken Harvey Famor