Skippers toughen up for D-League Aspirants’ Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Fil-Am Kyle Toth hopes to provide the muscle and hustle and Alvin Pasaol the firepower as Marinerong Pilipino shoots for no less than the championship in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup firing off on Jan. 18.

The Skippers made an impressive debut in the season-ending Foundation Cup, barging into the semifinals after a woeful 1-4 start. Though they lost steam and lost to eventual back-to-back champion Cignal HD in the Final Four, they still proved to be a force to reckon with.

And coach Koy Banal wants to make sure they would make an impact in their next campaign as they tabbed Toth and Pasaol in the recent draft.

“Our goal is nothing but the championship. It’s not going to be easy but it’s achievable if we buy into the system and work together,” said Banal.

But with Pasaol, a member of the UAAP Mythical Five who logged a record 49 points against La Salle, and Toth beefing up Marinero, the Skippers look to figure prominently in the upcoming season.

Pasaol normed 20.6 points on 40.5 field goal percentage, 7.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 1.6 assists and 0.9 blocks against 3.4 turnovers on an average of 27 minutes for the Red Warriors in the recent UAAP season.

“That’s exactly the reason why we picked him, he’s a scoring machine. He came from a well-disciplined, very structured system under coach Derrick Pumaren so we know he will fit in our system,” said Banal. “But of course, coaches have different styles. He can be the go-to-guy for us. He can help us solve our scoring problem from last conference.”

“I’m looking forward to play in the D-League and help Marinerong Pilipino. I don’t know if I will be able to carry over my high-scoring ways but all I want is to help the team and coach Koy win,” said Pasaol.

He was actually Marinero’s second round pick (eighth in the round, 19th overall), with Toth chosen by the Skippers in the first round (eighth).