MANILA – Negros Pau Muscovados bolstered its roster in the ongoing 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League with the addition of four new players, including two from Bacolod City.
The Muscovados has acquired the services of Bacolodnon standouts John Lemuel Pastias and Arben Dionson while also adding free agents Jun Manzo and Camillus “Ichie” Altamirano.
Pastias, who played for Bacolod City of Smiles earlier this season, was a 5-foot-11 playmaker who suited up for the STI-West Negros University Mustangs during his collegiate years.
Dionson, on the other hand, was a 6-foot-2 forward who played for Carlos Hilado Memorial State University before suiting up briefly for Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates in the NCAA.
Altamirano, meanwhile, transferred to the Muscovados after being released by Muntinlupa Cagers. He was a former player of Bacolod team in the MPBL and has suited up for San Sebastian College Golden Stags in NCAA.
Manzo, for his part, is also making a MPBL comeback after he last played for Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors. He previously suited up for University of Visayas in CESAFI and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the UAAP.
The Negros Occidental-based basketball squad made the roster upgrade over the weekend after recently releasing point guard Robin Rono, who has signed up with Quezon Huskers.
Pastias, Dionson, Altamirano and Manzo will all suit up for the Muscovados when they face Laguna Krah Heroes at six in the evening tonight at the STRIKE Gymnasium in Bacoor, Cavite.
The Muscovados, currently with 4-9 win-loss slate, is currently on a four-game losing skid, including a heartbreaking 84-82 defeat to Caloocan Batang Kankaloo last week via a game-winner by Bacolodnon Jeramer Cabanag.
Meanwhile, Panay News learned from a source that the Muscovados are still in talks with some MPBL teams for possible player trades before the end of the trade deadline on June 18./PN
