MANILA – Ilonggo big man Omar Larupay formalized his participation in the Iloilo United Royals-Cocolife ahead of their Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League return this season.
Larupay, a former standout of University of the East Red Warriors in UAAP and Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates in NCAA, signed his contract with the United Royals on Monday afternoon.
The Lambunao, Iloilo native was the fourth homegrown player for MPBL aside from Zarraga, Iloilo-native Jhon Rey Subido, Leo Guion and playing team manager Jay Javelosa.
Javelosa has also clarified that former Western Institute of Technology standout Zaldy Patizar was still trying out for a spot at the United Royals, contrary to other newspaper reports.
“As of now, we have four homegrown players in the team,” Javelosa told Panay News on Tuesday. “Zaldy was practicing with the team but, according to the coaches, he will still have to fight for his spot in the team.”
Aside from Larupay, also signed by the United Royals the past few days were former University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers guard Marvin Lee, Joe Joven, Jerie Pingoy, Ralf Olivarez, Ryan Arambulo, Jason Strait and Mon Mabayo.
Justine Sanchez and Tony Ynot, who recently left the San Beda University Red Lions to transfer to College of St. Benilde Blazers, will also play for the United Royals via special permit rule.
“Justine and Tony will spend their residency year with the United Royals and they will not have a hard time adjusting since Iloilo coach (Manu Inigo) is their former coach at San Beda Red Cubs,” Javelosa said.
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.
“We are slowly forming a competitive team. We are eyeing around 16 to 18 players in our roster,” Javelosa shared. “For sure, the United Royals is going to be a fighting team in our MPBL return.”/PN
