Davao all set to represent PHL in the upcoming ABL hoops league

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Davao Pilipinas basketball team is ready to carry the Philippine flag in the international basketball scene once the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) kicks off.

Spin.ph first released the development after Davao’s team manager Ray Alao confirmed that they were selected as the Philippine’s representative in the upcoming prestigious league.

The Philippines is no stranger to the ABL after clinching the championship trophy three times from 2009-2018: First by the Philippine Patriots, followed by the San Miguel Beermen and the San Miguel Alab Pilipinas, respectively.

“We know the rich history the Philippine teams have in the ABL and we want to put ourselves in that standard as well, so we want to make a splash and win a championship in this tournament,” Alao said.

After claiming the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakan Cup championship against their arch rivals San Juan Knights, Davao was able to keep their core intact and even added more firepower with the signing of Paolo Hubalde and John Wilson.

The coaching staff is optimistic that Hubalde’s experience playing for Alab Pilipinas will help the team get familiarized with the play style in the ABL.

Completing the Davao cast are Robby Celiz, Joseph Terso, Emman Calo, Jason Grimaldo, Gab Dagangon, Allan Santos, Chris Lalata, Marco Balagtas, Irvin Palencia, and Joe Presbitero.

However, the ABL executive committee is yet to release the final playing schedule after announcing that the tentative month for the start will be this February.