NBA returns with 3X Philippines 2012

MANILA, Philippines -- Just less than 2 weeks after National Basketball Association (NBA) champion Fil-Am Coach Erik Spoelstra took Manila by storm, the NBA is back now with 3X Philippines 2012.

The unique 3-on-3 competition returns to the Philippines for the second year. Organizers said basketball fanatics are in for a treat as boys and girls of all skill levels, with an open division for men and women, will be able to participate and vie for top honors.

NBA 3X will be using the FIBA 3x3 format and rules, and provide participants and fans the total NBA experience with entertainment and unique interactive elements.

Adding to this year's event, NBA 3X will feature try-outs for the Sprite Uncontainable Game.

Two Pinoy finalists will be selected to be part of the global pool from which 2012 NBA Champion and MVP Lebron James and NBA Superstar Kobe Bryant will chose their teams, Team Sudden and Team Intense, respectively.

The Sprite Uncontainable Game, the brand's largest ever basketball program, teams up with six NBA players to discover 24 of the most creative, undiscovered amateur ballers from around the world to represent either Team Sudden or Team Intense in the Sprite Uncontainable Game at the NBA All-Star 2013 in Houston, Texas.

If picked to be part of either team, finalists will get a trip to the 2013 NBA All Star Game.

There will be exciting activities that will enable a greater number of basketball fans and their families to compete in a fun way and share in the energy and excitement. These include: Sprite Slam Dunk contest, Sprite Skills Challenge, KFC 3-Point Bucket Shootout, Kit Kat 100-Point Best Break Monster Cable Dance Contest.

Brook Lopez of the Brooklyn Nets was the guest of honor.

Drafted 10th in the 2008 NBA Draft, Lopez is one of the most prominent centers in the NBA. Lopez shared he has long been wanting to visit the Philippines because he had a Filipino teammate in high school.

Brook also gave advice to kids to continue to work hard and go for their dreams. 

Also visiting with Lopez are the Charlotte Lady Cats Dancers, the two-time defending Best Dance Team in the NBA, and Stuff the Magic Dragon Mascot of the Orlando Magic. The tallest dragon in Orlando history is known for making difficult trick shots and dunking basketballs.