Manila Stars parade ex-PBA champion Gabby Espinas

MANILA, Philippines—The Manila Stars endured the pain of losing a do-or-die encounter for a finals spot in the MPBL Datu Cup almost three months ago.

But they’ve also spent the past two months making sure that such misfortune won’t happen again.

Already armed with the deepest roster in the 31-team league, the Stars unveiled another weapon in six-time PBA champ Gabby Espinas, who made his debut in a 107-96 whipping of the Marikina Shoemasters last Wednesday night at Angeles University Foundation Gym in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Teams can have as many as seven ex-PBA players on their roster but can only suit up five in a game and the Stars aren’t leaving anything to chance as they snapped up Espinas immediately after he was released by the Meralco Bolts.

“We’re a team on a mission,” Stars owner Roman Ang told the Inquirer. “The pain of losing the North division finals (to San Juan) is still there, that’s why we’re just forming the strongest possible team.”

Carlo Lastimosa and Marvin Hayes, who both have experience playing in the PBA, finished with 22 and 12 points respectively as the Stars picked up their sixth win in seven games.

Espinas was good for 19 minutes of action, scoring seven points and grabbing 10 boards. Two top prospects in Aris Dionisio and Chris Bitoon chipped in 11 points each for Manila, which pulled away in the third period.

“The first day that I left the PBA, I already made the decision to play here,” said Espinas, the only player to win NCAA MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in the same year in 2005 while representing Philippine Christian University.

“I still think this is really a great opportunity for me, before I finally decide to retire.”

Later, pint-sized Mark Cruz once again played hero for Pampanga as the Giant Lanterns overcame the Valenzuela Classic, 77-74, while Bulacan ended its slide at the expense of Biñan City, 87-82.

Cruz scored his team’s last four points and completed a big steal after the visiting team took the lead, 74-73.