FIBA 3x3: PH no. 1 Mac Tallo bids farewell to Chooks

Return to five-on-five seems imminent for the country's top 3x3 player

MANILA, Philippines — Top Filipino 3x3 player Mac Tallo has left his Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas stable, the longtime 3x3 squad and backer announced on Friday.

Chooks’ vice president Mel Macasaquit expressed the organization's heartfelt gratitude for Tallo's invaluable contributions to Philippine 3x3 basketball.

"Chooks Pilipinas is grateful for the service Tallo has done for the country, including being the country's number one-ranked 3x3 player. Tallo has exemplified the spirit of dedication, hard work, and passion that defines Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas," Macasaquit said.

"Tallo's transition to 3x3 basketball showcased his adaptability and resilience. His performances on the court have brought pride and inspiration to fans across the nation. Although he now embarks on a journey back to 5-on-5 basketball, we want to assure Mac that our unwavering support and cheers will always be with him."

Throughout his two-year run with the Chooks 3x3 teams, the 6-foot-2 Tallo proved to be the country’s figure synonymous to the sport.

He led the Philippines to two quarterfinal finishes in FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters events (Manila, 2022 and Cebu, 2023) and was ranked 72nd overall in the world at one point.

Tallo did not appear for Chooks when the team participated in the Level 9 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Al Bidda Park Challenger 2023.

Paul Desiderio and Dennis Santos represented the club, along with reinforcements Tosh Sesay and Marcus Hammonds.