Mark Yee replaces Mike Nzeusseu in Manila Chooks TM lineup ahead of FIBA Abu Dhabi Masters

Veteran player Mark Yee will replace Mike Nzeusseu in the Manila Chooks TM  lineup ahead of the 2021 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Masters in Kasr Al Amwaj, Abu Dhabi.

The Cameroonian big man suffered a minor left hand fracture during Manila's game against Cebu in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 invitational.

Nzeusseu rued the outcome of his injury.

"I'm really disappointed since I have been really looking [to] this moment for two years now. During the pandemic, what I was doing was picturing [myself] playing one day and I was picturing playing for Chooks-to-Go one day," the Cameroonian said.

"I tried but I could not give my 100-percent if I played with this injury."

Yee will join Mac Tallo, Chico Lanete, and Zach Huang in the team. Head coach Aldin Ayo believes he will easily integrate with the team.

"Of course, Mike is a big loss for our team but it's the situation dealt to us," Ayo said. "But Mark is ready since he has been training with us."

Manila Chooks will play Serbia's Liman and Netherland's Amsterdam in the FIBA World Masters on Friday. Ayo hopes they can advance past the group stage.

"Of course, the goal is still to make the playoffs," said Ayo. "If we stick to the system, we can upset Liman or Amsterdam."

In September, Manila placed 11th in the Montreal Masters.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA News