By JONAS TERRADO
The top players of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 are set to take their act to the PBA next year.
Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Troy Rike, and Santi Santillan won’t be returning to the 3×3 scene they helped grow in order to apply for the PBA Rookie Draft in January.
Chooks management confirmed the decision of Munzon, Pasaol, Rike, and Santillan to leave by the time their contracts expire in December, adding that it won’t serve as a hindrance in their future plans.
“Thank you Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Troy Rike, and Leonard Santillan for making our country proud over the last two years,” Chooks said on its social media accounts.
“We at Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas won’t hinder you from achieving your dreams. Good luck on your next journey! All of you will always be a #ManokNgBayan!”
Munzon, Pasaol, Rike, and Santillan were instrumental in turning the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas into the country’s first professional 3×3 league.
The quartet teamed up to power Zamboanga City-Family’s Brand Sardines to the President’s Cup title held last month under a bubble setup in Calamba City, Laguna.
They also represented the country in numerous FIBA World Tour since last year, including the recent Doha Masters where they represented Manila Chooks TM.
The four are likely to be among the first round picks in the coming draft, particularly Munzon, who also built a name for himself in the standard full-court competitions.
Munzon came to prominence during a two-year run with the Saigon Heat and Malaysia Dragons in the ASEAN Basketball League before suiting up for AMA in the PBA D-League.
Pasaol starred for University of the East during his UAAP days before playing for Petron-Letran in the D-League and Zamboanga in the MPBL before becoming the country’s second-ranked player in the 3×3 scene.
Rike had shorts stints with National University in the UAAP and AMA in the D-League while Santillan played for La Salle (UAAP), Marinerong Pilipino (D-League), and Bataan and Zamboanga (MPBL).
