Malayo ang mararating ng Basilan sa MPBL

MANILA, Philippines – Tiwala si coach Jerson Cabiltes ng Basilan Steel na makakapasok sa playoff round ng ikatlong season ng Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakan Cup na magbubukas sa Hunyo 12 sa Mall of Asia Arena sa Pasay City.

Sabi ni coach Cabiltes na kayang abutin ng bagong koponan ang kanilang hangarin dahil sa panibagong  line-up at tatlo lamang ang natitira sa nakaraang roster.

“After our sad experience last year. We learned a lot of lessons. That’s why we used that lesson to form and organized a champion team for the coming conference,” sabi ni Cabiltes sa press launching noong Miyerkules sa Vagabond Restaurant sa Quezon City.

Ayon pa kay Cabiltes, personal niyang pinipili ang mga bagong manlalaro sa pa-ngunguna nina dating Rain or Shine stalwart  Jonathan Uyloan, dating Quezon City Capitals na si Jay Collado, dating Bataan Risers na si Gab  Dadangon at dating San Sebastian Stags na si Alleyn Bulanadi.

“We finished second to the last in the Southern Division last year. That’s why, our team owner businessman Hegem Furigay and LGU partner Gov. Mujiv Hataman wanted a more stronger team this time, one really that could compete and at least reach the playoff round,” dagdag ni Cabiltes.

Kaagad hahataw ang Basilan Steel kontra sa expansion team na Bicol Volcanoes sa alas-7 ng gabi sa opening day ng Lakan Cup.

“We are at least now ready for the coming season. There’s still at lead 20 days before the opening. All we have to do until the opening is polishing na lang,” pahayag ni Cabiltes.

Nagpahayag din ng tiwala si coach Cabiltes sa iba pang mga bagong miyembro ng koponan na sina dating Meralco Bolts Anthony Bringas, Hesed Gabo na pumasok sa MPBL All-Star side events sa nakaraang Datu Cup, Bobby Ba-lucanag, dating Perpetual Help Altas’ Jett Vidal, Shaq Alanes, Michole Sorela, Irven Palencia, Junjie Hallare, Darwin Lunor, Jhaps Bautista, Dennis Daa at Chris Dumapig.