Ilonggo Billy Ray Robles makes PBA return after signing with Phoenix

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Billy Ray “The Ilonggo” Superman will be making his highly-anticipated Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) return after signing with the Phoenix Super LPG for the 2022 PBA Governor’s Cup.

The former Davao Occidental-Cocolife all-around star was an undrafted rookie during 2016 but landed a contract with the Rain or Shine Elastopainters where he appeared in only in six total games.

After his stint with Rain or Shine, Robles then joined the Davao Occidental Tigers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) where he would win a title during the 2021 conference.

Robles was a revelation during his MPBL campaign and averaged 10.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.9 steals and blocks during his stint.

The Ilonggo swingman then turned heads with his recent performances including the grand finals of the Lakan Cup where he helped Davao exact revenge against the San Juan Knights.

Robles will look to fill in the defensive gap problems posted by Phoenix early in the season and is currently holding three wins and two losses record.

The Ilonggo superstar will be making his Governor’s Cup debut on Sunday, February 13, when the Super LPG squad squares off against the defending Philippine Cup champions TNT Tropang Giga.

Robles is set to join the Super LPG squad with main gunner Matthew Wright, shooters RJ Jazul and RR Garcia, Justin Chua, and Jason Perkins.