NBA 3X Philippines 2014 presented by Sprite returns to Manila

2014 NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors will headline this year’s event and be on hand to help run clinics and interact with fans.

NBA 3X Philippines 2014 presented by Sprite returns to Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall from July 4 – 6, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Sprite announced today. 

Now in its fourth year, the event combines exciting 3x3 on-court competition with free authentic NBA entertainment and experiences for fans of all ages.

Join the fun with NBA 3X Philippines 2014 to celebrate basketball and NBA culture with free fan activities including a slam dunk contest, basketball clinics, 3-point shootouts, skills challenges, autograph sessions, and more.

To keep fans entertained, there will also be performances by an NBA dance team, an NBA mascot, live bands and DJs, as well as NBA merchandise giveaways. 

DeRozan guided the Raptors to a 48-win season—the team’s most successful regular season campaign ever—and helped steer them back into the Playoffs for the first time since the 2007-08 NBA Season. DeRozan led the team in scoring (23.9 ppg) and minutes played (40.3 min) during their postseason run.

“I’m excited for my first visit to the Philippines to experience the country’s unique culture and to be a part of NBA 3X,” said DeRozan. “Filipinos are world-renowned for their passion for the NBA and I can’t wait for this exciting showcase of their basketball skills.” 

The competitive 3x3 tournament features divisions for boys under-18, under-16, and under-13, and for girls under-18 and under-16. The event will also include open categories for both men and women along with an invitation only Celebrity Division featuring popular local TV and music personalities. Registration for NBA 3X Philippines 2014 presented by Sprite begins June 6, on a first-come first-serve basis, and runs till June 27 or until all slots are full. NBA 3X Philippines 2013 saw record levels of demand with more than 170 teams on the waitlist vying to get a spot into the tournament. As a result, the Philippine International Convention Center will once again be utilized as a secondary venue to accommodate the teams. 

“NBA fans in the Philippines have been treated to a historic year of activities with the staging of the first-ever NBA preseason game in Southeast Asia in Manila, followed by the opening of NBA Cafe Manila—a first-of-its-kind NBA destination,” said Carlo Singson, Philippines Country Manager, NBA Asia. “With the return of NBA 3X Philippines presented by Sprite, we continue our goal of providing our loyal supporters with authentic ways to engage with the NBA, be it through events, television programming, NBA.com or social media.”

Leading the Coca-Cola Company’s brand association with the NBA is Sprite, the world's leading lemon-lime sparkling beverage and the Philippines' no. 1 flavored soft drink. Sprite has been the Official Soft Drink of the NBA in the U.S. since 1994.

“In a country where both Sprite and street basketball are tremendously popular, we are glad to be able to support programs that encourage people to play basketball, stay physically active, improve strength and endurance, achieve energy balance, and drink Sprite,” said Teejae Sonza, Marketing Manager for Sparkling of Coca-Cola Philippines. “Sprite has been the presenting partner for NBA 3X Philippines since its launch in 2011 and we look forward to another great event for the entire family to enjoy.”

Along with presenting partner Sprite, official partners of NBA 3X Philippines 2014 include adidas, Smart Communications and PLDT, KFC and Phoenix Petroleum, with Acer and Spalding serving as supporting partners. Official NBA broadcasters are ABS-CBN Sports + Action and Basketball TV.

All participants of the NBA 3X Philippines 2014 presented by Sprite will receive a jersey and NBA sling bag. There will also be prizes for the winner of each division. Registration fees for the age divisions run at Php1,000 per team, and for open divisions at Php1,600 pesos per team.

For more information on NBA 3X Philippines 2014 presented by Sprite and to register for the 3x3 tournament, log on to www.nba3x.com/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/nba3xasia and www.facebook.com/philsnba.