Tri-nations Masters Tournament tips off

An invitational tournament that mirrored the interantionally-renowned games for the retirees is se to tip off from July 15-19 at the PNP Gym inside Camp Crame.

The Masters Invitational Basketball Tournament was the brainchild of San Juan Knights team governor Christopher Conwi, in which the architect saw an untapped potential for those so-called titos.

In the week-long tilt, there are two divisions to play on: 35 and above and 55 and above as it will have an international flavor with teams from Malaysia and Guam are also joining in the said tilt.

"Fourth year na maghohost dito," Conwi said, with the previous editions were played at the San Juan Gym.  "Nag originate siya sa Europe,  yung World Masters," referring to the Olympics for the retiring athletes that takes place every four years.

How Conwi got a lightbulb moment from the Masters? It was his experience playing it at the highest level, in which he suit up for a Guam team as its guest player in Auckland, New Zealand two years ago.

"Yung Guam, nagtry sila maglagay dito. Which ginawa ko is to professionalize, Naghahanap ng system and invite businesspeople na mahilig sa basketball and mga ex-pros," he added, as his tournament also got PBA legends to play, such as Magnolia team manager Alvin Patrimonio and NorthPort head coach Pido Jarencio.

Despite the recreational nature, he even bared that the presence of the former PBA players has pushed the teams to play competitively.

"Papawis, then later on naglalabasan na."

It was known in one of the championship games in the 50-UP division, the cast was  Allan Caidic, Bong Tan and Joey Santamaria against Patrimonio, Jarencio and SMB coach Leo Austria.

Conwi even added that his objective is for not just for the network and bonding, as he had grander plans for the Masters.

"Para to see to it that I experienced it, and to bring it to the Filipino people para magparticipate sa Tokyo 2021 World Masters. Hopefully Magmaterialize."

The said tournament also links up with Pinoyliga as the exclusive digital partner, which includes stats and game reports as it happens.

(photo c/o Masters Invitational Basketball Tournament)