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MPBL: Davao Occidental Tigers, Cebu Sharks aim to pull off some surprises

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Roy Luarca

Don’t count out the Davao Occidental Tigers and Cebu Sharks turning heads in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup, which opens at Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday.MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes believes they’re going to be competitive in the 26-team field.“They’re no pushovers, especially Davao Occidental and Cebu,” said Duremdes.The Davao Tigers ruled the 4-team preseason tournament last month in Polomolok town, South Cotabato, and bolstered their roster with the acquisition of veteran forwards Leo Najorda and Mark Yee, both 6-foot-3, and 5-foot-11 guard Bonbon Custodio, all former PBA players.They will join two other former pros — Bogs Raymundo and Billy Ray Robles — earlier named to the squad by coach Don Dulay.The other Tigers are: Bob Clo Ombecan, Manuelito Osabel, Louie Medalla, Leo Cabahog, Joseph Terso, Paul John Siarot, Emmanuel Calo, Ronald Lamocha, Arnold Adormeo, James Regalado, Miko Estrallante and Mario Leonida.Being the lone representative of the Visayas, the Cebu Sharks-Casino Ethyl Alcohol are also out to make an impression.The Sharks, to be handled by former San Miguel Beerman Gilbert Castillo, will be led by 6-foot-4 power rebounder Jondan Salvador, 6-foot-4 defender Frederick Rodriguez, 6-foot-3 guard Cesar Catli and 6-foot-2 gunner Patrick Jan Cabahug.Also in the roster are Mark Anthony Abadia, Francisco Arong Jr., Alfred Cotila, Harold Cortes, Enrico John Llanto, Jovanue Luz Jr., William Bill Mcaloney Jr., Victo Nunez, Rhaffy Octobre, Caesar Ian Ortega, Garcian Puerto Jr., Iron Suano and Kevin Rey Villfrancia.“Historically, there are really many good players from the South,” said Duremdes, the pride of Marbel, South Cotabato, named one of the greatest PBA players of all time.Completing the representatives from Mindanao are the Basilan Steel, the General Santos Warriors and the Zamboanga Valientes.For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Sports website.</a>

Tigers, Sharks want to prove teams from basketball-crazy South are no pushovers.

Tigers, Sharks want to prove teams from basketball-crazy South are no pushovers.