By Adrian Stewart Co

The upcoming season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), which opens on June 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, will include a team from Iloilo.
A formal signing took place last night between Iloilo Royals owner Julio Jalandoni Javelosa; MPBL founder, Senator Manny Pacquiao; and Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes at the Makati Shangri-La.
“Currently, we have 16 players [on] the team,” said Javelosa. “We are still in negotiations with some players; we also have Ilonggo prospects who we hope to secure their services by the end of the month.”
He also named some of the players who will be suiting up for the Ilonggo outfit, including Aaron Jeruta, Jay Javelosa, Rhagnee Sinco, Gerry Antonio Abadiano, Raffy Ynion, and Jasper Parker.
“So far, the team is composed mostly of former Far Eastern University players and some local players,” said Bacolod Tay Tung High School basketball team head coach Dexter Dy, who served as head recruiter for the Western Visayas.
“We are scheduling a tryout in Iloilo to score some prospects,” he added. “As much as possible, the team owner wants to give chances to local players.”
Possible venues for home games include the University of San Agustin Gymnasium, Pototan Gymnasium, and the newly-constructed City of Passi Arena.
Iloilo previously participated in the Metropolitan Basketball Association in 1998./ASC, WDJ