Mighty Sports have further solidified their lineup, adding JC Intal of the Phoenix Fuel Masters to the mix. And his first practice with the team Friday morning was nostalgic for the 6-foot-4 swing man, as many of his former teammates are in the line-up.
“Yeah, it’s an Ateneo reunion with Chris [Tiu], coach Sandy [Arespacochaga] and Charles [Tiu] from Ateneo nga e. Tapos Harbour Center with Beau Belga and Willie [Miller] nga pala sa Barako Bull,” shared the 33-year-old Pampangueno.
During the 2016-17 PBA Philippine Cup, Intal averaged 13.9 points on 36.2 shooting from distance and 5.3 rebounds, helping the Fuel Masters reach the quarterfinals.
But after playing three straight months of local basketball, the 10-year PBA veteran wants a change of scenery during the off-season.
“Coach Charles invited me to play here and I want to feel the international atmosphere again,” said Intal, who was part of the Gilas 3.0 program.
“Last time I played in Dubai was when I was playing under coach Rajko Toroman. Barako Bull joined a pocket tournament. For the entire 10 days ang daming Pilipino ang sumuporta sa amin nun. We’re all looking forward to play in front of them.”
Mighty Sports’ newest pick-up also vowed that team will not disappoint the Filipinos in Dubai, as they will play at a high level night in and night out.
“Of course, nandiyan yung four imports namin and we have a lot of guys. I’m sure this team will play competitive basketball.
“Ibang iba siya sa Gilas kasi may imports. Masaya din kasi different teammates, it’s something new,” Intal added.
Intal will join Chris Tiu, Beau Belga, Kiefer Ravena, Jeron Teng, Jett Manuel, Gary David, TY Tang, Willie Miller, and Jerwin Gaco. The tournament is scheduled to be from February 18 to 25 at the Al Ahli Club in Dubai, UAE.
