Japan’s Shinjuku Givers Claim Inaugural Cebu Hustle 3×3 Crown
The maiden season of Cebu Hustle 3×3 has come to a thrilling conclusion, with Japan’s Shinjuku Givers ruling the tournament and bringing home the championship trophy. The finals took place at SM Seaside City Cebu, drawing basketball fans from across the Queen City of the South and beyond.
The Cebu Hustle 3×3 was a highly anticipated event on the local sports calendar, bringing together teams from across Cebu and international squads for a fast-paced, high-energy basketball spectacle. The tournament featured intense quarterfinal action before culminating in a championship showdown that showcased world-class streetball talent.
Among the local squads that carried Cebu’s pride were Move Liloan and UP Cebu, both of whom fought hard on the court playing before their home fans at the Mountain Wing of SM Seaside City. Despite the Cebuano teams’ valiant efforts, the Shinjuku Givers proved too strong, displaying exceptional skill, teamwork, and court chemistry throughout the knockout rounds.
The event was a major draw for sports enthusiasts, with notable personalities including volleyball star Sisi Rondina spotted at SM Seaside City to catch the knockout games. Her presence highlighted the cross-sport appeal of the tournament and the growing popularity of 3×3 basketball in the Philippines.
3×3 basketball, which became an Olympic sport at the Tokyo 2020 Games, has been gaining tremendous traction across the Asia-Pacific region. The Cebu Hustle 3×3 represents a significant step in expanding the sport’s footprint in the Visayas and providing local athletes with the opportunity to compete against international-caliber competition.
Organizers expressed their satisfaction with the turnout and the level of competition, signaling that Cebu Hustle is set to become a fixture in the Philippine basketball calendar. Fans are already looking forward to the next edition, with hopes that local teams will build on this experience and come back stronger.
The Shinjuku Givers’ victory adds an international flavor to what is shaping up to be a premier basketball event in the region. With Cebu’s passionate sports community and world-class venues like SM Seaside City, the Cebu Hustle 3×3 is poised to attract even bigger names and larger crowds in future seasons.