2nd PCBL conference fires off Sunday

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Commercial Basketball League, now under a new commissioner in champion coach Joel Banal and an additional team in Mighty, unveils its second conference – the Chairman’s Cup – with a double-header at the Malolos Convention Center Sunday.

Founders Cup champion Jumbo Plastic and newcomer Mighty clash at 5 p.m. then Sta. Lucia Realty and EuroMed collide at 7 p.m. in the opener of the tourney featuring two other teams in Supremo Lex and Foton.

Mighty comes in as an instant title contender with a formidable team led by Gilas cadet player Kiefer Ravena, former Rain or Shine mainstay TY Tang and former Phl Youth standout Gab Banal.

African players who have had stints in the Philippine collegiate league will be special features as imports of the six ball clubs in the tourney that will be playing Sundays, Wednesday and Fridays and will have Spalding as the official ball.

Already confirmed to play as imports are Bright Akhuetie for Mighty, Landry Sanjo for Sta. Lucia, Allwell Oraeme for Jumbo.

Tournament format is double-round classification with the top two automatically making the semifinals and the next four to figure in the quarterfinals. The Final Four will be a pair of best-of-three series with the winners advancing to the best-of-three finale.

“It’s short but sweet,” said Banal to describe the tourney where he has succeeded Ato Badolato as league commissioner.

“I retired in coaching in 2012 but, as I was saying, if there’s something that excites me, I’ll be there. Being the commissioner of this event excites me,” said Banal, one of only two coaches – the other being Turo Valenzona – to have won in all levels in Philippine basketball. He won championships with Mapua in the NCAA, Ateneo in the UAAP and in the PBL and Talk n Text in the PBA.

“We’re privileged to have Mr. Banal, a reputable basketball man, to be our commissioner,” said PCBL chairman Buddy Encarnado.

Encarnado and Banal said they’re committed to develop the league and provide another venue for young players to hone their skills and ex-pros hoping to get another chance to play in the big league.

“We’re not here to compete with any league. We’re here to augment and support Philippine basketball,” said Encarnado.

Banal will be bringing his wealth of knowledge as a player, coach as well as his managerial skills. Before accepting the job as PCBL commissioner, Banal served as president of the family-owned Domuschola International School, an IB school in Ugong, Pasig.

Team Mighty, under coach Mike Fermin, assistant coach Charles Tiu and team consultant Bo Perasol, features a solid team that also includes Angelo Wongchuking, Allan Mangahas, Mac Montilla, Tonino Gonzaga, Mark Bringas, Arvie Bringas, John Lopez, Raf Melocoton, Raffy Oktubre, James Regalado and Iron Suano.

Jumbo goes for a second PCBL crown with a team composed of Jay-R Taganas, Jaymo Eguilos, Allan Santos, Tristan Perez, Jason Ibay, James Martinez, Marcy Arellano, Jeff Viernes, Mark Lopez, Alvin Padilla, Stephen Siruma and Alfred Mandani.