MANILA – Following University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons’ elimination in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball, big man Jerson Prado is now set to suit up for the Iloilo United Royals in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
Royals team owner Julio Jalandoni Javelosa told Panay News the 6-foot-6 center can make his debut as early as their game against Pasig Pirates tonight at the Makati Coliseum.
Prado is a welcome addition for the Royals with Michael Jay Javelosa expected to be out for a couple of weeks after fracturing his hand during a game against Bacolod Master Sardines last week.
“Jerson will be a great addition if he can suit up immediately. Kulang kami sa big man ngayon,” Javelosa said. “My son (Michael Jay) is injured and he is out for a couple of weeks.”
The Royals team owner admitted they are having a hard time signing new players with some of their prospects leaning towards joining the 2019 PBA Rookie Draft slated next month.
“May mga target players kami (from the eliminated teams in UAAP and NCAA) but most of them are planning to join the PBA draft,” he added. “We are looking at the free agents if there are some available players that we think can help the team.”
The Royals are currently on a two-game winning streak with its 11-8 win-loss record./PN
