“It’s our season. Tag-ulan na. Ano ba meron pag tag-ulan, thunder?” Flying V Thunder team manager Joey Guillermo
The Flying V Thunder are all set for their maiden campaign in the PBA D-League, as the franchise presented its line-up for the Foundation Cup on Wednesday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
“I’m more than glad that we have able to form this team. Never in my dreams did I think that I will be able to have a team. Looking at all of you, especially [at] Jeron, I don’t see any reason why matatalo tayo,” team owner Ramon Villavicencio said prior to introducing the team.
The Flying V will be headlined by Jeron Teng, who last played for the AMA Online Education Titans in the previous conference. Joining him are Gab Banal, Luis Sinco, Thomas Torres, Eric Salamat, Jan Colina, Oda Tampus, Joshua Webb, JR Ongteco, Jovet Mendoza, Aris Dionisio, and Mike Gamboa.
“We are very happy with our composition. Although we are not that quick and tall, our hard work and winning attitude will propel us to victory for this season,” head coach Eric Altamirano added, as his players have won numerous collegiate and pro-am championships prior to joining the Thunder.
“They are trying to give their best and the chemistry is really good. They like playing with each other and that’s a good sign.”
And for Jeron Teng, being with a stacked team before entering the PBA Draft is something that he will relish.
“Siyempre happy ako with my team right now. Being with coach Eric and his staff — I’ve known them since high school, I’m confident that they can lead us to victory,” the leading scorer during the 2017 Foundation Cup shared.
Villavicencio added this team will carry the hopes of the company’s dream of being part of the PBA.
“First of all, nung nakita ko tong mga guwapong mga lalaking ‘to, mukha silang winner. Baka pag mag-form tayo ng PBA team, winner din.
“Lahat naman sila pupunta dun sa PBA. With their history of winning, sana tuloy-tuloy din. Kaya boys, nasa inyo ang bola ngayon,” Villavicencio concluded.
The Flying V Thunder will have a series of tune-up games during the 2017 Filoil Flying V Premier Cup. They will face the semifinalists from the NCAA and the UAAP from last season beginning on Friday, May 5, when they face the Arellano Chiefs.
