Many have been wondering why reigning Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League champion Davao Occidental-Cocolife is not part of the 22-team field of the Invitational Tournament which is set from December 11-23 at the The SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Coming off a semifinal finish in amateur league Filbasket, the Tigers have a roster that is ready to compete.
So why isn’t Davao Occidental coming back to its mother league? Well, it is eyeing a move to the south’s pro basketball league, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup.
According to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation, the Tigers brass, headed by Governor Claudine Bautista, is in the early stages of moving to VisMin. One of the sources added that they have already met league chief executive officer Rocky Chan.
If the transfer pushes through, the Lakan season would be the last time the MPBL will see the Tigers for the foreseeable future.
The Tigers have a cracked roster headlined by Jerwin Gaco, John Wilson, and Paolo Hubalde.
Completing Davao Occidental are Keith Agovida, Alwin Alday, Marco Balagtas, Emman Calo, Robby Celiz, Bonbon Custodio, Gab Dagangon, Chris Lalata, Irven Palencia, Billy Ray Robles, Allan Santos, and Joseph Terson.
Jose Makalintal is currently the head coach of the Tigers.
VisMin is looking to open its second season in January.
