By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Ilonggo big man Omar Larupay has formalized his participation in the Iloilo United Royals-Cocolife ahead of their Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) return this season.

Larupay, a former standout of University of the East Red Warriors in UAAP and Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates in NCAA, signed his contract with the United Royals on Monday afternoon, March 6.

The Iloilo province’s Lambunao-native Larupay was the fourth homegrown player for MPBL aside from Iloilo’s Zarraga-native Jhon Rey Subido, Leo Guion and playing team manager Jay Javelosa.

Aside from Larupay, also signed by the United Royals were former University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers guard Marvin Lee, Joe Joven, Jerie Pingoy, Ralf Olivarez, Aldeo Lucero, Sonny Estil, Ryan Arambulo, and Mon Mabayo.

Justine Sanchez and Tony Ynot, who recently left the San Beda University Red Lions to transfer to College of St. Benilde Blazers, will also play for the United Royals via a special permit rule.

“Justine and Tony will spend their residency year with the United Royals and they will not have a hard time adjusting since Iloilo coach [Manu Iñigo] is their former coach at San Beda Red Cubs,” Javelosa said.

The United Royals last played in the league during the 2021 MPBL Invitational bubble tournament where they were defeated by the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the quarterfinals round.

“We are slowly forming a competitive team. We are eyeing around 16 to 18 players on our roster,” Javelosa shared.

“For sure, the United Royals is going to be a fighting team in our MPBL return,” he added.

The United Royals with head coach Manu Iñigo will make their season debut against Cebu on March 17./ASC, WDJ