Zoos Tokyo celebrates after beating Panthers 3x3 in the gold medal game of the Manila Hustle 3x3 Season 3, February 9, 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. Handout photo
MANILA -- The rising level of competition and tremendous atmosphere of the Manila Hustle 3x3 left a mark on the foreign players who trooped to the Mall of Asia Music Hall last week for this year's tournament.
Zoos Tokyo emerged triumphant for the second straight season, outlasting Panthers 3x3 of Spain in the finale.
Along the way, they endured a shock loss to the Gilas Pilipinas Women -- a testament to the improvement of the Filipino players in the halfcourt game.
READ: Zoos Tokyo retains crown in Manila Hustle 3x3
"This competition is really great and it was a lot of fun. The level was very high and we really had to compete to win the championship," said world no. 55 Ama Degbeon of this tourney which is co-presented by Uratex, Smart, and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
Aside from the challenge posed by local teams, the foreign players also appreciated the warm response by the home crowd in the two-day event.
"I think the Philippines is a great place because the crowd was crazy especially for the national team. We really loved playing in front of these fans," said Degbeon, as Zoos Tokyo got the better of Panthers 3x3 of Spain in the finale.
"I feel like home when I return to the Philippines. And this makes me motivated to bring the best team here in Manila Hustle 3x3," added Ari Geli.
The crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall for Day 1 of the Manila Hustle 3x3 Season 3, February 8, 2025. Handout photo
With the successful third season now on the rear view, the German forward is excited to be back next year and do it all over again.
"Certainly, teams are leveling up and many players from different countries are showcasing their skills," said Degbeon.
Geli has the same plans in mind, although she promises that next year, the results would be different.
"Next year, we will win," she vowed of this tilt, which has Titan as official partner, together with Wilson, Seiko, B’lue, Secret Fresh, BDO, Jollibee, TRYP by Wyndham, Jisulife, Rexona, Senka, and Laurin.