By Adrian Stewart Co
Negrense Mark Yee is set to spearhead the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas’ 3×3 squad that will compete in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Montreal Masters from September 4 to 5, 2021 in Montreal, Canada.
According to the Sagay City, Negros Occidental-native Yee, this is a new experience for him as this will be his first to represent the country in the international stage.
“Sobrang blessed. Hindi naman natin maitatago na may edad na tayo para maimbitahan tayo sa ganito kalaking team,” Yee said. “Magiging tiyuhin na nila ako dito sa team.”
“Sa pagkakataon na ito, hindi ko naisip na mare-represent ko pa ‘yung bansa natin sa FIBA sa tanda ko na ito,” he added. “Kahit maliit kami, papakita namin na hindi kami susuko. Dadaanin namin sa sipag at tiyaga ang bawat laro.”
Yee is surely a great addition to the crew of head coach Aldin Ayo with his years of experience while playing in the PBA with Burger King Whopper, TNT Tropang Giga, Meralco Bolts, NorthPort Batang Pier, and Columbian Dyip.
Yee also had a stint with the Davao Occidental-Cocolife in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and played a key role in the team’s championship run in the 2019-2021 MPBL Lakan Cup.
Aside from Yee, also part of the Manila Chooks TM squad are Mark Tallo, Zach Huang, Dennis Santos, and Chico Lanete, who will serve as the Philippine representative’s alternate player.
Ayo assured that the squad is conditioned despite not having physical practices the past few weeks due to the heightened COVID-19 quarantine restrictions.
“With regards to conditioning, there will be no problem as we made sure that the players figured in high-intensity workouts,” Ayo said. “The chemistry will also be there since the team has been together for three months already.
“But the tournament itself is a different beast. With the limitations that we have, we studied a lot of films on our possible opponents and we are hoping that the preparations translate to winning games,” he added.
The Manila Chooks TM is seeded 11th among the 12 teams in the tournament. This will be Philippine representatives’ second tournament this year since the Doha Masters last March 26./ASC, WDJ