Red Bull Half Court Cebu Qualifiers Conclude With USJR, EVSU Ormoc, and DGFAM Teams Headed To The National Final!

CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES - In a thrilling display of talent and determination, the Red Bull Half Court Cebu Qualifiers concluded with University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) emerging as champions for the 3-on-3 men’s division and Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) Ormoc for the women’s division.

The event, set in Sisters of Mary in Talisay City, Cebu, witnessed rustic yet electrifying plays, clutch buzzer-beaters, and jaw-dropping crossovers, captivating spectators with the raw talent displayed amidst the simplicity of the school grounds.

The competition was fierce, with teams giving their all on the court, demonstrating skill, agility, and passion for the game. Amidst the intense battles, USJR, EVSU Ormoc, and Daily Grind Family (DGFAM) stood out, displaying exceptional teamwork and skill earning them a spot in the National Final next month.

“Securing our second consecutive victory in the women's division basketball tournament here in Cebu underscores the undeniable power of teamwork. Our back-to-back wins highlight the cohesion and synergy within our team, proving that together, we are unstoppable on the court,” expressed by EVSU Ormoc the Back-to-back champion for Red Bull Half Court Cebu Qualifiers Women’s Division.

USJR, champions of the Red Bull Half Court Cebu Qualifiers Men's Division, expressed their surprise at their victory, having not anticipated overcoming the competition from numerous athletes in Cebu

“We never expected to triumph over the sixty-plus dedicated and hard-working teams competing in the Regional qualifiers. Our victory serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work, and we extend our encouragement to all basketball enthusiasts in Cebu to join us in the Red Bull Half Court competition, reminding them never to lose hope and to keep striving for success on the court,” they stated.

With their triumph in Cebu, both teams together with the men’s runner up team, Daily Grind Family (DGFAM), now advance to the National Final, where they will go head to head against other teams from Davao and Manila qualifiers, alongside wildcard teams, many consisting of professional players, to elevate the intensity of the competition.

The stakes are high as they compete for a coveted spot in the Red Bull Half Court World Final, set to take place in the basketball mecca of New York City.

“By coming up with this type of event, we're giving Cebuanos the opportunity to try other basketball games. Witnessing the overwhelming turnout and enthusiasm at the Cebu Qualifiers fills me with immense joy. It's truly heartening to see numerous athletes and teams not only participating but also expressing keen interest in 3-by-3,” stated tournament Director, Coach Eric Altamirano.

As USJR, EVSU Ormoc, and DGFAM prepare to take on the national stage, they carry the hopes and support of Cebu's basketball community. Stay tuned for the next leg of Red Bull Half Court in Davao this April 6 and Manila this April 13.

For more information and updates regarding Red Bull Half Court, visit the official Red Bull website or Red Bull Half Court page, and the following social media pages (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok).

PBA Player Jervy Cruz Encourages Aspiring Basketball Players to Follow Their Dreams and Take Advantage of the Under Armour 3x3 Opportunity

PBA Player Jervy Cruz has a lot to share about his basketball journey, “Sobrang blessed ako kasi narating ko ang narating ko.  Kasi sobra-sobrang hirap ang dinaanan ko.  Galing akong probinsya pero pangarap ko lang talaga maging isang PBA player”, says Jervy.

He continues by saying that even when he was in high school, he was dead-set on his dreams, though, it didn’t seem possible to attain his ambition, he held on to it, “Nung high school ako, ang laro namin di naman seryoso.  Nung nag-college ako, 4 a.m. pa lang gising na ako, tapos Team B ako ng 4 years.  So feeling ko, bakit ganoon.”

He said that despite the obstacles that came his way, he never doubted himself.  He just kept his unwavering faith and kept the dream alive.  “Ang sabi ko sa sarili ko pag susuko na ako,…konti na lang…kaya ko pa, kaya ko pa ito.”

Having accomplished a dream that most young basketball players aspire for, Jervy has made it his advocacy to inspire more young players to hold on to that dream.  He has become the voice for Under Armour’s latest program,  FIBA 3x3 U18 Asia Cup presented by Under Armour.

3x3 basketball, or streetball is the largest urban team sport of the world. With 12-second shot clock, and 10-minute or first team to 21-point format, the games are usually fast, accessible, and entertaining for the players and audience alike. The format made its global competitive debut at the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics in Singapore and the World Championships have been regularly organised by FIBA since then.
The Under Armour 3x3 Southeast Asia 2017 Tournament will take place in Cebu at the Cebu City Sports Club and Ayala Center Cebu on April 22-23, 2017.  In Manila, it will take place at Bonifacio Global City on April 28-30, 2017.
Organised by Under Armour in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, the tournament is open to all U-18 male and female basketballers.
Each player who signs up will receive a set of Under Armour teamwear that consists of an UA Tech™ Tank Top and UA Baseline Basketball Shorts. All players will also receive 25% discount on Under Armour basketball footwear, including the latest signature Curry 3 Basketball Shoes that deliver infinite support and total control on the court.    
In addition to winning up to S$1,000 or Php36,000 in prize money, respective country’s basketball federation or association may also select the winning teams to be part of the national contingent and compete against other National Teams from Asia in the FIBA 3x3 U18 Asia Cup presented by Under Armour on 26–28 May 2017 held in Cyberjaya Gem in Mall, Malaysia. Flights and accommodation will be fully paid for the selected teams.
“Kung gusto mo makamit ang pangarap mo, kailangan mo mag-try.  Kailangan sabihin mo kaya mo ito.  Magsikap ka, at wag mawalan ng pag-asa.  To all the aspiring basketball players, this may be your chance na mabago ang buhay mo.  Sumali kayo sa UA 3x3”, says Cruz.
Registration locations are available online at www.ua3x3.com and can be made at all Under Armour Brand Houses and partner stores from now until 12 April 2017.  Visit www.ua3x3.com for more information on the UA 3x3 Under 18 Tournament.


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About Under Armour, Inc
Under Armour (NYSE: UA), the originator of performance footwear, apparel and equipment, revolutionized how athletes across the world dress. Designed to make all athletes better, the brand's innovative products are sold worldwide to athletes at all levels. The Under Armour Connected Fitness™ platform powers the world’s largest digital health and fitness community through a suite of applications: UA Record, MapMyFitness, Endomondo and MyFitnessPal. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland.

For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.uabiz.com.

About Triple Pte Ltd
Established in 2013, Triple Pte Ltd is a sports and lifestyle retailer which holds the exclusive distribution rights for the Under Armour brand across Southeast Asia. Triple launched the Under Armour operations in Singapore and Philippines in May 2014. It has to date expanded the Under Armour distribution network to cover seven Southeast Asian markets through a combination of 25 brand houses as well as shop in shop and multi-brand wholesale executions.

About Test of Will

Started in 2016, the Test of Will is an annual Southeast Asia-wide fitness challenge in celebration of human performance, functional fitness and the training lifestyle. The modern and uniquely urban fitness challenge is accessible to everyone with the will to train and a drive for competition.