ILOILO City – After showcasing a strong performance in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup, Iloilo United Royals aims to be stronger this upcoming Mumbaki Cup.
Royals team owner JJ Javelosa told Panay News that the team will have a massive revamp, which is anchored on Ilonggo Aaron Jeruta and Al Francis Tamsi.
Javelosa said: “Last season, we tried our best but came out short. I-rerevamp ko ang team this offseason. We will be building a stronger roster as a follow up to our Lakan Cup showing.”
“We are in talks with several players, some from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and others from the collegiate leagues. Some of them have already committed but have yet to sign because of the enhanced community quarantine,” he added.
Apart from Richard Escoto and Rey Publico, who have signed for PBA teams Blackwater Elite and Alaska Aces, respectively, some of the Royals players last season were not handed out new contracts.
On the other hand, Jon Co of XYZ Balikbayan Boxes is now a partner of the team.
“XYZ Balikbayan Boxes is our partner now. They were a big help to the Iloilo United Royals during our inaugural season,” Javelosa said.
The Royals had an 18-12 win-loss record in the eliminations of the Lakan Cup to settle in the sixth place of the South Division. In the quarterfinals, Iloilo was defeated by Basilan in two games./PN
