![sports_ex_resized MC ABOLUCION. FACEBOOK PHOTO](https://www.panaynews.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sports_ex_resized-696x364.jpg)
MANILA – A true-blooded Ilonggo has been tapped to take the coaching reigns of the Iloilo United Royals heading into the homestretch of the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
MC Abolucion, a native of Iloilo City, has been appointed as the new head coach of the United Royals replacing Manu Iñigo, who left the squad along with his assistant coaches over the weekend.
Abolucion, a former standout of Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix before being recruited to play for the College of St. Benilde Blazers in the NCAA, said he was thankful to the opportunity to handle his hometown team in the MPBL.
“I am beyond grateful, not everyone gets the chance to represent their hometown in this kind of stage,” Abolucion told Panay News on Tuesday. “I am confident that the team will be fueled by the love and support of our families, our fans and the Iloilo community.”
Abolucion has wealthy of experience as her served as assistant coaches for the Batang Gilas from 2015 to 2018 and with San Miguel Beer-Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League for three years.
Abolucion also became an assistant for UAAP teams De La Salle University Green Archers and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, including the school’s championship season last year.
In his first ever stint as head coach, Abolucion will have a tough task of resuscitating the dwindling campaign of the United Royals, which only managed to win six out of their 16 matches.
“This is a relatively young and talented team. While it is true that the standing right now may reflect otherwise, I think that the previous coaches did what they could,” Abolucion said.
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint. The best way for us to move forward is to take it one game at a time, and we will put our 100% effort to win,” added Abolucion, who said that he does not plan to tinker his roster.
Among the members of Abolucion’s coaching staff in the United Royals is former PBA player Mac Cuan and former Red Phoenix big man Rhagnee Sinco, who is also part of the Iloilo lineup.
The United Royals, which came from a 90-83 win over Bacolod City of Smiles last Saturday, will return to court with a new coaching staff against Negros Pau Muscovados on Friday night./PN