The TNT Triple Giga quartet organized their inaugural tournament and training camp in the hopes of inspiring the next generation of 3x3 ballers.
The dream has been realized for TNT Triple Giga quartet Mau Belen, Matt Salem, Samboy De Leon, and Chester Saldua as they successfully mounted their first-ever tournament and training camp this past month at Okada Manila.
After three grueling weekends of competitive 3x3 hoops and grassroots programs, the “Half Court Group” has lots to show for themselves – including action packed hoops and well-attended training camps.
But for Salem particularly, the biggest product of their group’s work hit a little closer to home.
Salem, a multi-time PBA 3x3 champion, had one of his nieces join the Half Court Group’s training camp for young kids during the past three weekends.
More than being able to spend time with family, Salem felt particularly proud that his niece Beyonce de Jesus had found her love and passion for basketball, just as he did with the help of the PBA 3x3 group.
“I’m blessed she’s here. You know, that’s what we wanted to bring here to Half Court Group: everyone who is passionate about basketball, especially teaching the 3x3 way, male or female, all ages,” Salem told One Sports.
“We always want to welcome them, just to teach them the basic skills of basketball and to learn 3x3.”
The 14-year-old de Jesus thoroughly enjoyed herself during the three-weekend camp, even as she found herself as the only girl in some of the sessions.
Inspired by her uncle and the elite players she sees around her – including the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team who won the women’s grand final on Saturday evening, de Jesus is keeping her aspirations alive.
“For me, I think it’s really exciting and it’s really awesome to see these players, professional players on the court,” De Jesus said.
“It gives me inspiration to watch them because maybe one day, I’ll end up playing on 3x3,” she added.
De Jesus also remained unperturbed that basketball was mainly a male-dominated field.
Against taller, older boys during the camps, she kept on going. Salem, who had been with her since she was a kid, appreciated the effort that she was putting in and encouraged her to continue.
“I’m super proud. I have a baby boy so she’s like my little daughter, honestly. I have been here since she was young. So, it’s nice to see that she wants to come out here and play the game of basketball. She’s developing the love of the game,” said Salem.
“For her to come here for three weekends straight, it’s not easy, especially being the only girl at times… But to come out here and just perform under pressure with all the guys here, a little timid and all that. When she opens up, she’s just great to see and developing the love for the game,” he continued.
De Jesus admitted that she did feel a little out of place when she was the only girl in the group. But there was nothing that could stop her love for basketball.
“Lowkey, I felt a little pressured since it’s all boys and they’re probably more pro at it,” said the high schooler.
“I guess, ano lang, I feel a little [pressured] lang. [But] basketball is really fun, I like playing it and I guess it’s also my passion now.”
After seeing the impact of what they’re doing so close to his heart, Salem looked forward to hopefully doing more similar events in the future.
Now that the Half Court Group finally have their first event under their belt, they are raring to do more – especially when it comes to helping the grassroots and giving back to the community.
“You know, this weekend was a lot. We were very happy by the outcome of it. I can’t make any promises but for sure we would like to do more of this stuff for the players who love 3x3 and for the kids who really want to learn the game,” said Salem.
“This is all what we’re about, the Half Court Group, is to give back to the community, to give back to the players, and to create more valuable options to be able to play within basketball. 5-on-5 is not an option to them, so they would love to try the 3x3 game. I mean, I enjoy it so much. I love this game. Hopefully, we can do more of this consistently throughout the year.”