There will still be a Philippine team when the ASEAN Basketball League opens its 11th season.
Davao-Cocolife has gotten a franchise for the upcoming season of the regional league tentatively scheduled to begin next month.
The development was confirmed to Tiebreaker Times by Tigers team manager Rey Alao.
“Si Rocky [Chan] nakausap yung ABL at we confirmed our participation,” said Alao.
Davao’s new home league is the Pilipinas Super League, which is targeting a March 11 start date.
Alao sees no problem in this as the Tigers are looking to add more players to their already stacked roster as the team is also supported by both Cocolife and the San Miguel Corporation.
“Long-term yung usapan namin dun sa mga players namin at baka pagusapan namin nung PBA na kung puwede namin gamitin yung players na hindi ginagamit,” said Alao.
“Sana pahiramin din tayo ni Boss RSA (Ramon Ang) ng import at yun yung pag-uusapan nila ni Gov. Claude (Bautista).”
The Tigers have a cracked roster headlined by Jerwin Gaco, John Wilson, Paolo Hubalde, Robby Celiz, and Billy Ray Robles.
Completing Davao Occidental are Keith Agovida, Joe Presbitero, Marco Balagtas, Emman Calo, Bonbon Custodio, Gab Dagangon, Chris Lalata, Irven Palencia, Allan Santos, and Joseph Terso.
Arvin Bonleon, Davao’s head coach in Filbasket, will still serve as the team’s chief tactician. Current assistant coaches are Manu Inigo and Matt Makalintal.
“Gov. Claude and Rep. Claudine want a strong team in our first campaign in the ABL kaya we are looking for ways to make our team stronger,” said Alao.
Davao will be the fifth franchise that will represent the Philippines in the ABL. Past teams are AirAsia Philippine Patriots, San Miguel Beermen, Pilipinas MX3 Kings, and Alab Pilipinas.
