Dragons out to spew fire anew, join NBL tourney

Pampanga‘s fiery Dragons will make a comeback in regional basketball when they compete in the National Basketball League’s first national championship starting on May 24 in Ozamiz City.

The first national champion of the defunct MBA (Metropolitan Basketball Association), the Dragons hope to repeat history by bagging the first NBL national title.

A new management group has taken over the Dragons led by Lubao town mayor Dennis Pineda and head coach Alan Trinidad.

Like in 1998, the Dragons have formed an all-Pampango lineup composed of Dave Dizon, Ronald Ruiz, Randy Magpayo, Elbert Alberto, Rick Coronel, Erwin Manlutac, Marlon Tadeo and Sherwin Garcia.

"We are confident of making history anew," said coach Trinidad of his team’s stint in the tourney sponsored by Tanduay Rhum, Fortune Tobacco, Air Philippines, Sulpicio Lines, Gatorade and Molten Basketballs.

Meanwhile, NBL secretary general Tito Palma announced that businessman Marton Uy has been tapped by Gov. George Arnaiz and Congressman Jing Paras to manage the Negros Oriental cagers.