Cebu’s M. Lhuillier Group eyes PBA stint next year

MANILA, Philippines–The M. Lhuillier Group is reportedly keen on joining the Philippine Basketball Association next year.   A source privy to the interest of the company owned by businessman and sports patron Michel Lhuillier said the Cebu-based firm could enter the league on its 37th season.    The company, the source said, will carry the ML Kwarta Padala brand, one of the Lhuillier’s business units.   The ML Kwarta Padala squad is currently seeing action in the Tournament of the Philippines, a joint venture of Liga Pilipinas and the Philippine Basketball League.   “It’s only a matter of time although they don’t want to rush things,” the source said.   The source added that the “Lhuilliers recognize the strength of the PBA as a premier advertising vehicle, and their passion for basketball has long been established.”   Entry to the country’s premiere basketball league comes at a hefty price.  An interested party must pay at least P60 million franchise fee, although it could be less if one buys directly from a franchise owner.   The Lhuillier group has been a prominent figure in the national basketball scene, having helped launched the careers of stars Jojo Lastimosa, Samboy Lim, Peter Aguilar and Al Solis, among others, through the Philippine Amateur Basketball League in the ‘80s.