Contributed Photo.
Manny Pacquiao continued to put his stamp on the Philippine basketball scene, this time paving the way for the country’s return to the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).
The eight-division boxing world champion extended his influence, this time striking a deal with the regional league to form the PACMAN Mindanao Aguilas.
Owned by businessmen Mark Chiong and Rolando Navarro Jr., the Aguilas are eyeing to form a formidable squad consisting of talents from the Mindanao region.
“We want to showcase the basketball talents of players from the Mindanao region, and that we can play in competitive leagues such as the ABL,” said Aguilas general manager Sergei Bien Orillo.
The team will be coached by Nino Rejhi Natividad.
Currently, Pacquiao is the playing-coach in the PBA with the Mahindra Enforcers and is the team manager for the Letran Knights men’s basketball team.
The country was a founding member in 2009 with the Mikee Romero-owned Philippine Patriots, and last saw action in the 2013 season when the San Miguel Beermen reigned as champions.
No date of the ABL’s return has been announced. CFC