MANILA – Returning Pilipinas Super League (PSL) member Bicol Spicy Oragons hope to produce a basketball masterpiece worthy of the region and the people they represent.
Bicol Spicy Oragons coach Monnel Kallos believes the team, built around young and experienced players, is up to the challenge.
"We're ready. The Bicol Spicy Oragons will hit the ground running once the new PSL conference kicks off next month," Kallos said during the team's media presentation at the Roadhouse Manila Bay on Oct. 27.
A proud son of Tabaco, Kallos hopes to deliver a long-overdue title to Bicol and his provincemates in the newest regional basketball league led by Rocky Chan and Ray Alao.
Kallos, a battle-tested veteran who also had a long and colorful coaching experience in Thailand, said the Spicy Oragons will bring PSL games to Bicol in the first week of December to bring the game closer to the people.
He said Chan and PSL head of basketball operations Leo Isaac, who both attended the team launch, have approved the proposal.
"Dadalhin namin sa Bicol itong PSL basketball for at least two playing days. Pati siguro sa Masbate. Ngayon pa lang, madami na tayong mga kababayan ang nag-aabang sa PSL dun (We will bring PSL basketball to Bicol for at least two playing days even in Masbate. As of now, many of the basketball fans in Bicol are waiting for PSL)," Kallos said.
Asked about Bicol's chances in the 10-team competition lasting until the early part of 2023, Kallos expressed confidence the players would perform well as expected.
He also lauded the PSL officials for approving the 25-man line-up aimed at giving more players the opportunity to play and introducing changes in the officiating by tapping the help of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Kallos reiterated the Spicy Oragons' mantra of redemption, which team manager Tony Oanes and assistant coaches Cesar Babasa and Rommel Banaga mentioned during a recent episode of "Sports on Air" podcast.
"Gaya nga ng mga nasabi na ng coaching staff ko (Like my coaching staff said), this is also redemption time for our team. Gusto namin ipakita yun tunay na Bicol team (We want to show the real character of Bicol)," Kallos said, referring to the unfortunate incident when the team walked out of its game against Cagayan De Oro Higalas in protest of poor officiating last April 7.
Oanes agreed with Kallos that the team is built not just to compete but to win.
“Right now, we’re satisfied with what we have in the team and I think we can do well in the coming tournament,” Oanes said.
The team is owned by Kiga One Sports Events and Management, Inc. and supported by Worthrand PetroPower and Roadhouse Manila Bay. (PR)
