Carlos flies high with slam dunk title

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino high-flyer David Carlos soared to another title by ruling the Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3x3 World Tour Manila Masters 2023 Dunk Contest over the weekend at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati.

Carlos, 34, scored 55 points on two roaring dunks in the final round for another crown in the 3x3 dunk contest that capped the country’s successful hosting of another FIBA 3x3 World Tour leg.

He bested Australia’s Brodie Stephens and compatriot Daniel Marcelo for the $4,000 grand prize after jumping over four people for 28 points in his first attempt and completing a “tetris” slam over two individuals on top of each other for 27 points in the second dunk.

“Against the time, with two missed attempts, I didn’t lose hope. This is for the fans. I thank my Chooks-to-Go family for their unwavering support,” said Carlos, who beat the buzzer on his third try.

Carlos’ win made up for the early exit of Manila Chooks in the pool play with a 0-2 slate following losses against Utsunomiya BREX EXE, 22-18, and eventual champion Ub Huishan NE of Serbia, 21-9.

Ub, the world No. 1 3x3 team, bested China’s Futian, 21-17, for its second straight Manila Masters championship and the $40,000 grand prize.

Strahinja “Doctor Strange” Stojacic fired six points and was named the Manila Masters MVP. Marko Brankovic and Dejan “The Maestro” Majstorovic, added nine and six points, respectively.

“We really played well and we deserved the championship,” Stojacic said.