Iloilo joins Maharlika Pilipinas caging league

ILOILO has made official its return to the regional basketball scene by participating in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), which will open on June 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The formal signing between Iloilo team owner Julio Jalandoni Javelosa, MPBL founder Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao and Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes was held last night at Shangrila Makati.

Eyed as home venue for the Iloilo team were University of San Agustin Gymnasium, Pototan Gymnasium and the newly-constructed City of Passi Arena.

Javelosa told Panay News on Thursday that the team, under coaches Raoul Cesar “Nash” Racela and Eric Gonzales, have started their training at a gym in Katipunan and are raring to go for the opening of the new conference next month.

“Currently we have 16 players in the team. We are still in negotiations with some players, we also have Ilonggo prospects. We hope to secure their services by the end of the month,” Javelosa said.

Among the players in the Iloilo roster were Ilonggo Aaron Jeruta, previously of MPBL champions San Juan Knights, and Jay Javelosa, who suited up for Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles before.

Also tabbed in the lineup were former University of Perpetual Help Altas big man Raffy Ynion of Antique, Rhagnee Sinco, Gerry Antonio Abadiano and Jasper Parker of Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

Dexter Dy, who was appointed as the head recruiter for Western Visayas, said that they are currently in negotiations with an Ilonggo big man, who was currently on a reserve list of a PBA team.

“We are in talks with that center and if it go our way, he will be a big addition for the team,” Dy said. “We also targeted with an Ilonggo guard who is now out of PBA but it bogged down.”

“So far the team is composed mostly of former FEU players and some local players,” he added. “We are scheduling a tryout in Iloilo to score some prospects. As much as possible, the team owner wants to give chance to local players.”

Iloilo previously had a regional squad in the Metropolitan Basketball Association in 1998, which carried the moniker Megavoltz.

The Iloilo squad will become the second Visayan team in the league founded by Sen. Manny Pacquiao aside from Cebu Sharks./PN