By Adrian Stewart Co

Veteran Chito Jaime is set to spearhead Iloilo United Royals in the 2021 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) tentatively set for December at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The 38-year-old Balanga, Bataan-native gunner was one of the new players signed up by the Royals, which is still to be handled by head coach Eric Gonzales and assistant coach Ed Lorenz Dela Torre.

Jaime is an experienced veteran, having played for four PBA teams in Sta. Lucia Realtors, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (where he won a PBA title in 2012), Air21 Express, and Kia Picanto.

Jaime also played for AirAsia Philippine Patriots in the ASEAN Basketball League, Ilocos Sur Tigers in Liga Pilipinas and with Muntinlupa Cagers and Bataan Risers in MPBL.

Aside from Jaime, also suiting up for the Royals are former Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals star Marwin Taywan as well as Axel Iñigo, Gelo Vito, Darwish Bederi, and JP Maguilano.

Meanwhile, making a return for the Iloilo United Royals this invitationals are Ilonggos Michael Jay Javelosa, Aaron Jeruta and Mac Racho as well as Donald Gumaru and John Mahari.

According to Javelosa, the Royals management is still in talks with three players to complete their lineup for the 10-day MPBL Invitational, which is a prelude for the 2022 MPBL season.

The United Royals had an impressive run in its debut season in the Lakan Cup as they finished the elimination round with an 18-12 win-loss record. They were beaten in the quarterfinals by Basilan Steel.

The United Royals, which is backed by XYZ and More Power, will be one of the three Western Visayas-based basketball teams in the upcoming MPBL Invitational aside from Bacolod Master Sardines and newcomer Negros Muscovados.

Others who are competing in the MPBL tournament are Davao, Laguna, Caloocan, Sarangani, Bicol, Rizal, Nueva Ecija, Imus, Makati, General Santos, and Marikina./ASC, WDJ