MANILA – Iloilo United Royals added firepower in its artillery with the signing of Felixberto “Janjan” Jaboneta IV in the ongoing 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakan Cup.
The Royals team owner Julio Javelosa said that Jaboneta, the forward who played five seasons for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the UAAP, is cleared to make his Royals debut against San Juan Knights on Jan. 23.
“He is a good addition to the team, “Javelosa told Panay News.” He could have played for us last Saturday, (against Zamboanga Master Sardines) but he just joined the team practice recently.”
Jaboneta will serve as one of the homegrown players for the Iloilo team, as his roots trace back from Oton.
Aside from the latest signing, Javelosa said that the Royals management is still in negotiations with another former UAAP guard who also has roots from the Iloilo Province.
“Like what I said during the start of the season we want to prioritize players who have Ilonggo roots. We want to give them exposure to play here in MPBL,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Royals have ruled out the possible return of Samboy de Leon in time for the playoffs as he is still under contract with Talk ‘N Text KaTropa in PBA until September./PN
