MCFASolver Tech Centrale will be banking on its recent FIBA 3×3 World Tour Masters stint once the Philippine Basketball Association 3×3 Second Conference begins.
Tech Centrale head coach Anton Altamirano said in a press conference yesterday that having the team play in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Masters in Cebu City last 23 to 24 September gave the squad a big boost when they make their PBA debut on 16 October.
“It was a very good experience. We were able to compete against the best in the world in terms of 3×3,” Altamirano said.
“Some of our players like TH Tumalip were able to participate while our other players were able to come and practice with international teams so we learned a lot in terms of 3×3 basketball.”
MCFASolver entered the FIBA tilt as Lubao MCFASolver and won its matches against Taichung Hong Jia of Chinese Taipei, 19-10, and Auckland, 17-11, in the qualifying round to enter the main tournament.
Tech Centrale, however, lost 15-22 to eventual champion Miami and Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy of Mongolia, 17-21, in pool play for an early exit.
Still, Tumalip said training with international stars, including former National Basketball Association player Jimmer Fredette, honed his skills.
“I already learned a lot from our preparations. We faced international players like Jimmer Fredette,” said Tumalip, who will banner MCFASolver along with Ael Banal, Yutien Andrada, and Louie Vigil with Filipino-Canadian big man Brandon Ramirez and veteran gunner Nico Salva also joining.
