Ana Water confirms PBL stint

Ana Water Dispenser has confirmed its participation in the Philippine Basketball League, bringing to eight the number of participants in the country's premier amateur league which kicks off its 2000 season on March 25.

Ana team owner Rudy Mendoza made the announcement during his meeting with PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad yesterday.

It was earlier reported that Ana Water would be taking a leave of absence after losing the second Yakult-PBL Challenge crown to Welcoat recently and after its star player, Paolo Mendoza, moved to the PBA to join Sta. Lucia.

With Ana Water in the fold, the PBL is assured of an eight-team field which, according to Trinidad, which will be a big boost the league.

"We believe that eight is the magic number for this league," said Trinidad. "The number is ideal dahil magiging balanse sa laro, television exposure and in the distribution of talent."

Welcoat leads the cast which also includes Dazz Dishwashing Gel, Blu Detergent, Bingo Pilipino, Shark Energy Drinks, Welcoat, Montaña and Hapee.

In a bid to come up with a more competitive team, Mendoza said he is currently looking for a point guard who will complement holdovers Ronald Tubid, Marvin Ortiguerra and Rey Mendez, aside from Jose Vale-riano, formerly of Kendi Mint who was picked from the dis-persal draft.

La Salle Green Archers' Mon Jose and Ronald Kwan are high on the list, Mendoza said.