For years, Cebu has been known as one of the country’s strongest basketball communities.
This weekend, however, the spotlight shifts from the traditional five-on-five game to the fast-paced world of 3×3 basketball as the city welcomes an international cast of women’s teams for the first-ever Cebu Hustle 3×3 at SM Seaside City.
The tournament marks another step in the continued growth of women’s basketball in the Philippines, bringing together 12 squads from six different countries while giving Cebu-based players a rare opportunity to compete against established regional programs on home soil.
Rather than simply hosting another basketball event, Cebu becomes a meeting point for rising local talent and experienced international competitors, all chasing a championship in a format that continues to gain popularity worldwide.
“We thank Cebu for embracing our tournament. Ever since we started conceptualizing this event, we’ve had nothing but support from Cebu and it humbles us so much,” said tournament director Peachy Cheng-Medina.
“Cebu is a basketball-crazy city so it’s just the right time for us to present women’s 3×3 basketball here in Cebu.”
The local contingent will feature familiar names and emerging prospects eager to test themselves against international opposition.
Among the hometown entries are Move Liloan and UP Cebu, two squads expected to draw strong local support throughout the weekend.
Move Liloan will be led by Kath Jumapao alongside Kristel Pitogo, Lyssa Lubiano, and Sharlene Owatan, while UP Cebu fields a youthful lineup bannered by Althea Degamo, Maxim Magbanua, Jessha Banquil, and Lourien Navarro.
For many Cebu basketball followers, the tournament offers a unique opportunity to measure local talent against some of the strongest women’s 3×3 programs in the region.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
CEBU HUSTLE 3X3 SHOWCASES CEBUANA, INTERNATIONAL TALENTS
LOOK: Here are some of the highlights from the press conference of the Cebu Hustle 3×3 Women’s International Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, June 16, at the Citadines Hotel in uptown, Cebu City.
Peachy Medina, the… pic.twitter.com/mTve6Zrjxt
— CDN Digital (@cebudailynews) June 16, 2026
“We finally have an international level 3×3 competition coming to town and I’m very excited as a Cebuano fan to see how our top talents compete against I can say the best teams in the region,” said SBP Zone 8 director Popoy Navarro.
Beyond the competition itself, organizers hope the event serves as a showcase for women’s basketball and inspires the next generation of athletes.
“This event is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of the talent, determination, and passion of our women athletes,” added Dr. Rhoel Dejano, Cebu Provincial Sports Commission chairman.
The Philippine challenge will also include Gilas Pilipinas Women U23 3×3, Uratex Dream, Pilipinas Aguilas, and TOL Patriots.
Awaiting them is a formidable international field led by Japanese clubs Maurice Lacroix and Shinjuku Givers 3×3, alongside Thailand’s Shoot It Dragons and CT Tigers, Malaysia’s EST Jersey, and Singapore’s Jumpshot.
Pool play begins Saturday at 12 noon, with teams divided into four groups of three. The top performers will then advance to Sunday’s knockout rounds, where the inaugural Cebu Hustle champion will be crowned.
For Cebu, the tournament represents more than a weekend of basketball. It is an opportunity to establish itself as a destination for high-level women’s 3×3 competition while giving local fans a front-row seat to the sport’s continued rise across Asia.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.
Leave a Reply