Camille Naredo

Article (news)

Mon Rodelas

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Quezon City Black Bulls are setting their sights on a competitive debut in the upcoming eighth season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), taking a measured, one-game-at-a-time approach starting April 10 following a steady preseason run.Team owner John Christopher Tan expressed optimism after the squad posted a 4-4 record in the preseason, crediting Quezon City First District Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde for helping discover and support homegrown talent.“We’re very thankful sa camp ni Cong. Arjo Atayde because he’s really willing to help, not just Team QC, but these young players and the homegrown talents of Quezon City,” Tan said.“So proud of all the players who played in the D1 League, and we are happy that we discovered them. Most of them have studied at Gardner College. They showed everyone that they are worthy of playing at a high-level competitive pro league,” he added.“I think this is the right time for them to aim for greatness and prove they are ready for the MPBL,” Tan said, highlighting the importance of grassroots development while emphasizing that the team’s immediate goal is to give full effort on both ends of the court every game.Beyond performance, Tan underscored character-building as a key priority for the expansion squad, urging players to remain humble while maintaining their passion and respect for the game.Head coach Jayv Olea, meanwhile, identified defense as the team’s identity, citing its youthful composition.“Definitely, we’re a defensive team. Kumbaga, d’yan ako nagfo-focus kasi puro kami bata. So, ang aasahan ng fans, every game talagang dedepensa kami nang dedepensa,” Olea said.The Black Bulls roster features a mix of emerging talents and experienced players, including Pat Buena, MJ Joson, Kenz Diokno, Joeben Loria, Ryan Arceo, Jake Agoncillo, Nonon Lastra, and Gabriel Paolo Salazar, alongside veteran former Blackwater player Rey Publico.Salazar, who returned to basketball after a brief stint in entertainment, said joining the MPBL was a natural step in pursuing his childhood dream.“Siguro lucky lang na nasama ako dito sa MPBL, at isa ito sa mga biggest leagues sa country,” Salazar said.He also described the team’s chemistry as solid.“Sobrang well-bonded namin as a team, sobrang solid namin — coaches, teammates, management. May preparations kami, everyday practice ‘yon,” he added.Aside from Buena, Joson, Diokno, Loria, Arceo, Agoncillo, Lastra, and Salazar, the Black Bulls also have 6-foot-6 Jeff Morillo, Aldave Canoy, playmaker Ryan Costelo, Clark Derige, 6-foot-5 Jay Gadon, Kobe Monje, Aeron Marvin Bagunu, Kai Espinosa, Joe Benzon Joven, Bryan Rosalin, Charles Dela Cruz, Josh Roque, and Ammar Cosari.

The Quezon City Black Bulls are setting their sights on a competitive debut in the upcoming eighth season of the MPBL.

The Quezon City Black Bulls are setting their sights on a competitive debut in the upcoming eighth season of the MPBL.

QC Black Bulls eye strong MPBL debut after promising preseason

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QC Black Bulls eye strong MPBL debut after promising preseason

Mon Rodelas,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 06, 2026 08:41 PM PHT

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Updated April 06, 2026 08:42 PM PHT

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MPBL

QC Black Bulls

JC Tan

Jayv Olea

Arjo Atayde

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