MANILA – Ilonggo forward Jhon Rey Sumido banners the initial list of Iloilo United Royals-Cocolife players in their Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) return this 2023 season.
Sumido, a native of Zarraga, Iloilo, will be among the two home-grown players of the United Royals so far in their roster aside from Lambunao, Iloilo native center Omar Larupay, who is set to sign in the coming days.
Also formalizing their contract with the United Royals were former UAAP standouts Jerie Pingoy of Adamson University Falcons and Ralf Olivares of University of the East Red Warriors, Ryan Arambulo and Ramon Mabayo.
Others who are set to join the Iloilo roster in the coming days were Marvin Lee, formerly of University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers Jason Strait and Justine Sanchez.
United Royals team manager Jay Javelosa told Panay News that the five players have signed their contracts with the team on Wednesday while they are still in talks with some players to complete their lineup.
Former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons players Brix Ramos, AJ Madrigal and Conrad Catapusan opted to sign elsewhere after being previously linked to the United Royals.
“So far, we have fivd sure players for our team but we are finalizing the contract details of our other players,” Javelosa said. “We will definitely have a competitive team in our MPBL return.”
Manu Inigo, the former mentor of the San Beda University’s high school boys basketball team, will serve as the new head coach of the United Royals, replacing Eric Gonzales, who is now with Quezon Province team.
The United Royals last played in the league during the 2021 MPBL Invitational bubble tournament where they were defeated by the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the quarterfinals round.
The United Royals will be the third Western Visayas-based team in the upcoming MPBL season aside from the returning Negros Muscovados and the rebranded Bacolod City squad./PN
