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MPBL: The seemingly random formation of Batangas Athletics’ title-winning team

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Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBN News

One player was begged to fly in from the US, another was a social-media acquaintance who happened to also play basketball.These were some of the ways the Batangas City Athletics—Tanduay built their lineup for the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Anta Rajah Cup.Tan acknowledged his squad was hastily assembled, adding that a frustrating preseason contest set off a chain of events and roster upheaval. “Sa preseason I was so down, kasi sabi nila malakas kami pero natalo kami sa Valenzuela sa semis. Du’n ako natauhan na I have to change the lineup . . . half of the players sa lineup namin tinanggal ko, pinalitan ko,” Tan said.“Kumuha ako ng mga mas bagay sa sistema ko, so bago lang pala talaga kami.”But Tan had a hard time looking for replacements that he had yet to complete his list a week before the tournament’s opening on January 25.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/04/27/18/mpbl-1-owner-1-team-ensures-fair-play-says-champion-tanduay-boss">MPBL: ‘1 owner, 1 team’ ensures fair play, says champion Tanduay boss</a></li></ul>Some of the players even came from abroad.“Sina Paul Varilla dumating ’yan mga January 10 na, tinawagan ko pa ’yan from Chicago, sabi ko ‘Please come back play for me,’ ” he said.He added that he also got to know one his players through social media. “Si (Mon) Rogado Facebook friend lang kami. In-add nya lang ako. Sabi ko pa ‘Sino ka? I don&#x27;t know you.’ That time I was so lost, I was talking to anyone,” Tan said.But his move to shake up the lineup worked wonders.He was able to find the right mix of players that would jell and help Batangas win the inaugural MPBL title at the expense of the Muntinlupa City Cagers—Angeli’s Resort. “Nagulat ako sa kanila, na-embrace nila agad ang samahan. Nagulat ako sobrang bilis ng pagkaka-jell nila,” Tan said.(For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Sports website.)</a>

One player was begged to fly in from the US; another was a social-media acquaintance who happened to also play basketball, coach Mac Tan reveals.

One player was begged to fly in from the US; another was a social-media acquaintance who happened to also play basketball, coach Mac Tan reveals.

MPBL: The seemingly random formation of Batangas Athletics’ title-winning team

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MPBL: The seemingly random formation of Batangas Athletics’ title-winning team

Dennis Gasgonia,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 04, 2018 05:50 AM PHT

Read More:

Mac Tan

MPBL

Batangas City Athletics Tanduay

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