FOR A newcomer in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), expansion team Iloilo United Royals has been showing promise in its first 10 games in the 2019-2020 Lakan Cup.
Royals head coach Eric Gonzales said he was pleased with the effort being shown by his players in each of their matches as all of their four losses were just by less than six points.
“Yung pinakamahirap na i-achieve sa isang bagong team is consistency,” said Gonzales. “Nasa honeymoon stage pa kami kasi, two months pa lang since the team was built.”
The Royals kicked off the season with a 67-64 win over Parañaque Patriots and 84-78 domination over Bataan Risers before suffering its first defeat to Quezon City Capitals (84-80).
The Ilonggos won their fourth match against Nueva Ecija MiGuard (92-90) before suffering back-to-back close losses to Cebu Sharks (69-68) and General Santos Warriors (69-64).
The Royals was able to arrest their skid with a 77-74 escape over Bicol Volcanoes but lost to Basilan Steel (78-74) before winning the last three over Bulacan Kuyas (83-73), Marikina Shoemasters (70-55) and Manila Stars (88-85).
Royals team owner Julio Jalandoni Javelosa, for his part, was also pleased with their progress as they were the only team in the 31-squad field that has 10 homegrown players in its roster.
“Unlike other teams who have a number of Filipino-foreign players, gusto namin ay Ilonggos or kung hindi naman ay pure Filipinos for them to get the experience they needed when they turned pro,” Jalandoni said.
“That is one thing I am proud of, our team has the most homegrown players in the team,” he added. “Because I believe that there are a lot of talented Ilonggo basketball players there and all they needed are exposure.”
Before the season started, they conducted a try-out in Iloilo and saw a lot of talent.
“We have chosen some but also keep tabs on the other try-out participants because sila na ‘yung kukunin namin sa team sa susunod if we need some players,” he said.
Jalandoni shared that the Royals have recently activated Ilonggo wing player Leo Guion, who took over the spot of Rhagnee Sinco, who was relegated to reserve list due to injury.
“I am satisfied with the way the players are performing each game. Nandoon naman ‘yung eagerness nilang manalo. I know that some teams are powerhouse but we will give them a good fight,” he said./PN
