MBA chief lauds RP cagers’ title quest

Multi-Regional Board Inc. (MRBI) chairman and president Santi Araneta yesterday lauded the Philippine men’s basketball team for retaining its crown in the 21st Southeast Asian Games.

"We in the MBA family are proud of their performance. They did the league and the country proud with their exemplary conduct on and off the court," said Araneta, also the co-owner of the LBC Batangas Blades.

The Nationals, composed of MBA stalwarts, swept the six-nation tournament, posting an average winning margin of 35.8 points each game.

MRBI, composed of MBA team owners, extended full support to the team with Bert Lina, owner of the FedEx Laguna Lakers, acting as team manager.

MBA director for business development Ramon Tuason and Blades director Luis Chuidian even flew to Kuala Lumpur on Friday to cheer for the players led by team skipper Romel Adducul.

Other team members are Chris Calaguio, Omanzie Rodriguez and Chito Victolero of the Andok’s San Juan Knights; Eddie Laure and Peter Martin (LBC Batangas); John Ferriols, Jomar Tierra and Ruben dela Rosa (Negros Slashers); Junel Mendiola and Randy Lopez (FedEx Laguna Lakers), Egay Echavez (Socsargen Marlins) and Vince Hizon.

MBA acting commissioner Butch Antonio, on the other hand, reaffirmed the league’s commitment to the national cause, citing the league’s two-week break in the Second Phase to allow the players and the coaching staff led by Boyzie Zamar to compete in the SEA Games.

The Nationals will be arriving at 5 p.m. today, in time for the resumption of the games on Wednesday.