Justin Gutang will not be suiting up for the revamped Nueva Ecija team in Filbasket.
Instead, the former Rice Vanguard has signed with the San Juan Knights for the upcoming 2022 Filbasket Tournament set to begin on March 18.
Back in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational tournament, Gutang played for Nueva Ecija, norming 9.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 blocks per contest.
For the 25-year-old winger out of College of Saint Benilde, he is just honored to be part of the historic Knights franchise.
“Grateful to be part of the San Juan Knights Family and excited to play with them,” he said.
Gutang’s mentor Charles Tiu also advised Gutang to join the Knights for career advancement.
Tiu was the one who recruited Gutang to Benilde.
“We are happy he has an opportunity to play and showcase his talents,” said Tiu.
“Quite a few teams were interested to get him but we felt he would fit best with San Juan and it will help him grow as we ponder the next steps of his career.”
It is still not known whether Gutang will join the upcoming 2022 PBA Draft.
Meanwhile, the Nueva Ecija Capitals will parade a team that is a hybrid of the Rice Vanguards and the Basilan team that topped the MPBL Invitationals.
Composing the team are Michael Mabulac, Chris Bitoon, Renz Palma, JP Sarao, Bobby Balucanag, Hesed Gabo, Byron Villarias, Jay Collado, Philip Manalang, Jay-R Taganas, Mark Bringas, Stephen Siruma, Jonathan Uyloan, and Harold Ng.
Key recruits of Jerson Cabiltes’ team are Will McAloney and Pamboy Raymundo.
