NBA 3X Philippines returns in August

MANILA, Philippines – NBA 3X Philippines 2012 presented by Sprite returns to Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall and the SM by the Bay from August 17-19, 2012, the NBA and Sprite announced Friday.

Following the success of last year, the free event, which combines exciting on-court competition with authentic NBA entertainment and experiences for fans of all ages, is back to thrill basketball-loving Filipinos.

The event will feature a 3-on-3 tournament that will provide players with an opportunity to hone their skills and compete amongst their peers. There are competition groups for boys aged 10-18, girls aged 13-17, and open divisions for men and women. 

Registration begins Saturday, July 14, on a first-come first-serve basis and runs until August 10. Information on the event, including registration locations, game format and rules, is available at www.nba3X.com/Asia/Philippines. Regular updates will also be made on the local twitter feed @NBA_Philippines. 

Other basketball events will include a Sprite Slam Dunk contest, Sprite Skills Challenge and KFC Bucket 3-Point Shootout, where participants can compete and showcase their skills. There will also be basketball clinics and community events with an NBA player.

To keep fans entertained, there will be NBA dance team performances, mascot appearances, NBA merchandise giveaways, and live bands and DJs. Players from local professional and college leagues, as well as local celebrities, will also attend the event. An announcement will be made on the NBA player, dance team and mascot closer to the event date.

Adding to this year’s event, NBA 3X will feature tryouts for the Sprite Uncontainable Game. Two Philippine finalists will be selected to be part of the global pool – 2012 NBA Champion and MVP Lebron James and Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant will choose members of Team Sudden and Team Intense, respectively.

The Sprite Uncontainable Game, the brand’s largest ever basketball program, teams up with six NBA players to discover 24 of the most creative, undiscovered amateur ballers from around the world to represent either Team Sudden or Team Intense in the Sprite Uncontainable Game at the NBA All-Star 2013 in Houston, Texas. If picked to be part of either team, finalists will get a trip to the 2013 NBA All-Star Game.

“Sprite and the NBA have a long history together. We’re very excited to take this partnership to an even greater level and offer an experience of a lifetime with the bigger NBA 3X and The Sprite Uncontainable Game. The Sprite Uncontainable Game will be a chance for the Filipino youth to show the world just how creative and talented we are in playing this popular sport.” said Criselle Pascual, Sprite Group Brand Manager at The Coca-Cola Export Corporation.

“Last year, huge crowds came out to enjoy a fun-filled weekend with lifestyle events and festivities for the entire family so we are thrilled to bring back a bigger 3X event this year,” said Carlo Singson, NBA Asia’s Country Manager for the Philippines. “The Philippines has given us record TV ratings this year and one of the highest audience following on NBA.com and NBA social media sites in the world.  We believe that, together with the support of our partners, our summer activities like NBA 3X presented by Sprite will continue to engage our loyal fans here.”

Along with Sprite, KFC, the NBA’s official quick service restaurant in the Philippines, will be an official partner.

Media partners include SOLARtv Network Incorporated (Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV), Studio 23, X-Play Online Games Inc. (X-Play), The Philippine Star and philstar.com.

Spalding will act as a supporting partner, with SM Mall of Asia and SM Cinemas as venue partners.

All participants e will receive a jersey and an NBA sling bag. There will also be prizes for the winner of each division. 

For more information about NBA 3X Philippines and chances to win great prizes, visit www.nba3X.com/Asia/Philippines.

Fans can also get updates on the event by following the NBA on twitter at www.twitter.com/NBA_Philippines and through Facebook at www.facebook.com/philsnba.