Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
After winning back-to-back titles in the recently-concluded 2017 PBA D-League season, the core of the Cignal HD looks to make one more run for the crown.
Playing under the banner of NLEX-SCTEX, the Hawkeyes will represent the Philippines in the 2017 Merlion Cup in Singapore later this month.
PBA draft entrant Jason Perkins headlines the roster as he will be backstopped by veterans Pamboy Raymundo and Oping Sumalinog in the seven-team tournament set from September 20 to 24 at OCBC Arena in Singapore.
Road Warriors assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa will call the shots for the Philippine team in the invitational.
Also joining NLEX-SCTEX are Cignal’s Jaypee Belencion, Byron Villarias, Alfred Batino, Andreas Cahilig, and Harold Arboleda, as well as former SCTEX players AJ Vitug and Mark Pangilinan from the defunct PCBL.
Beefing up the roster will be Maurice Shaw, a 32-year-old big man who is currently suiting up in the Thailand Basketball Super League.
“These players are part of the NLEX-SCTEX family that will be ready when called up. We are proud to represent the country and the company,” NLEX-SCTEX team manager Borgie Hermida said.
NLEX-SCTEX will face stiff competition in the tournament as it will take on 2016 champion Shanghai Sharks of China, hosts Singapore Slingers, Satria Muda Pertamina of Indonesia, Yulon Luxgen Dinos of Taiwan, Jeonju KCC Egis of the Korean Basketball League, and Adelaide 36ers of Australia’s National Basketball League.
Last year, star guard Jimmer Fredette towed the Sharks to the title as they beat the Kiefer Ravela-led Mighty Sports-Philippines in the Finals.