Bracing for MPBL return:  Cebu taps Mike Reyes as part of coaching staff

CEBU, Philippines — Decorated coach Mike Reyes will play a key role in Cebu Classic’s highly anticipated comeback in the 7th Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season set to start on March 8 at the Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.

This after the multi-titled bench tactician has been tapped as part of Cebu’s coaching staff.

Reyes will bring in to Cebu a wealth of experience gleaned on his countless stints in the collegiate, commercial and even in pro leagues for over two decades now.

Before the global pandemic in 2019, Reyes helped the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras end their seven-year title drought in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI).

Two years later, the younger brother of current TNT head coach Chot Reyes piloted KCS-Mandaue to the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Visayas crown.

“Definitely ang maitulong ko is the execution of our concepts on both sides of the floor,” said Reyes.

Additionally, Reyes will assist in filling up the remaining slots for the team.

Following the controversial exit of 7-foot center Greg Slaughter, former PBA players Paolo Hubalde and Rashawn McCarthy alongside their fellow MPBL veterans Darrell Manliguez and Dennis Santos are left to be at the cornerstone of Cebu’s campaign.

They will join forces with Cebu’s homegrown talents in Shaq Imperial, Jiesel Tarrosa, Dolan Adlawan, and Brylle Ivan Meca.

The likes of Jonel Bongancisco, Luigi Gabisan and Bernie Bregondo are also being considered but nothing is final yet as of the moment.

Cebu will mark its return from a five-year hiatus in the regional cage league founded by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao against the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo on March 13 in Pasay City. — (FREEMAN)