MANILA — Newcomer Davao Occidental Tigers have expressed readiness to test their mettle, eyeing nothing but a championship in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup which kicks off at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Tuesday.
"We expect nothing but a championship in this upcoming MPBL conference," head coach Don Dulay said in a presentation of the Davao Occidental team at the Cocolife Bldg. in Makati City on Monday.
Formed only two months ago, the Tigers won the pre-season tournament at the expense of a formidable Manila Team.
"I think we have a good chance because we've done well during off-season conference. The only thing that we have right now is our chemistry as a team. We started at the right track, we will finish at the same track," team manager Bong Baribar said.
Team owner Claudine Bautista thanked the team's partners especially Hugpong ng Pagasa (HNP), Cocolife and Global Power for the trust in the Tigers.
Bautista dared her team to prove that they are ready to win the championship.
"All you need to prove to us is that we can win the championship and we will take care of you," she said.
Cocolife President Elmo Nobleza also challenged the players to do their best and make the tournament a stepping stone to the big league like the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Dulay, an assistant coach of Rain or Shine who also played for four years in the PBA, is hoping to use his experience to his advantage.
“I expect my team to compete. I will be disappointed if we don’t,” Dulay said.
The Tigers will begin its campaign on Thursday against Imus Bandera.
Davao Occidental is one of the 16 expansion teams of the league formed by boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao only in August last year.
A total of 10 teams joined the inaugural conference of the MBPL won by Batangas City Athletics.
The Davao Occidental team is composed of five former PBA players including Mark Yee, Bonbon Custodio, Leo Najorda, Billy Ray Robles and Bogs Raymundo.
Other team members include Alex Asis, Arnol Adormeo, Bob Clo Ombecan, Edrian Iao, Emanuel Calo, James Regalado, Jerold Cabanog, Joseph Terso, Leo Paller, Louie Medalla, Mauelito Osabel, Marlo Leonida, Miko Estrellamte, Paulo John Siarot and Ronald Lamachoa.
Dulay will be assisted by Arvin Bonleon, Manu Inigo, Nonoy Bonleon and former PBA Fil-Am player Rob Wainwright. (PNA)
