Lanete and Cebu Chooks teammates.
Lanete back in action for Cebu Chooks
AGE doesn’t matter for Chico Lanete.
The 44-year-old veteran will come out of retirement to reinforce Cebu Chooks in the FIBA 3×3 Sukhbaatar Challenger 2023 in Ulaanbaatar.
Lanete, who has been calling the shots for Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 squads after his retirement last year, will fill up the shoes for Cebu Chooks’ 7-0 import Lenda Douanga.
Douanga failed to join the team due to visa problems.
Lanete, who last saw action for Manila Chooks in the World Tour Cebu Masters last year, will join CJ Payawal, Isaiah Hontiveros, and Victor Nguidjol in the level 9 tournament.
Cebu Chooks will open its campaign against world No. 9 Miami (United States today at 3:20 p.m. at The National Amusement Park.
The Filipinos wind up their Pool D campaign against No. 12 Futian of China at 6:40 p.m.
Chooks-to-Go President Ronald Mascariñas believes Lanete still has what it takes.
“Coach Chico’s return to action will really boost the team’s morale and overall performance on the court. Again, this shows how much he wants to represent our country and make every Filipino proud,” said Mascariñas.
“His willingness to come out of retirement and step up exemplifies why we do what we do for Philippine 3×3 basketball.
“Our Olympic dream is very much alive and this tournament in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia will be another stepping for us to reach our goal of seeing another Philippine basketball team donning the flag in the Paris Olympics, the biggest stage in sports,” added the amiable godfather of Philippine 3×3.
The 12-team field also includes No. 3 Antwerp of Belgium, No. 6 Beijing China and No. 7 Ulaanbaatar of Mongolia.
At stake in the two-day competition is a $15,000 prize money for the champion team and a $10,000 reward for the bridesmaid.
The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th runners-up will bring home consolations of US$ 6,000, US$ 5,000, and US$ 4,000, respectively.
The top three teams will gain slots to the World Tour Amsterdam Masters from Oct. 6 to 7 in Amsterdam.
Fans can watch the games live on Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas’ Facebook page and the YouTube channel of FIBA 3×3.
