San Miguel center June Mar Fajardo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The PBA named a dozen players representing the all the league’s teams to serve as its ambassadors in the coming East Asia Super League.
San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo, TNT’s Roger Pogoy, Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood, Magnolia’s Paul Lee, and NLEXs’ Kevin Alas are among the ambassadors named to the continental competition.
Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson, Alaska’s Jeron Teng, Phoenix’ Matthew Wright, Meralco’s Chris Newsome, Terrafirma’s Juami Tiongson, NorthPort’s Kevin Ferrer, and Blackwater’s Baser Amer round out the PBA’s representatives.
Jared Dillinger of the Gin Kings was also added as a special addition to the list of the PBA talents as his vlogs showing the everyday life inside the PBA bubble in Clark was also pushed through the EASL social media accounts.
“There is something about international competitions. Bragging rights are on the line going up against Asia’s best clubs,” said Dillinger.
“The extra cherry on top is representing your country. It brings out your competitive nature and the pride of proving you’re better. EASL will bring people together. Fans from different countries will be under one roof and I’m excited for the PBA and EASL joining forces.”
Of the 12 PBA players, only Pogoy played in an EASL tournament when he and the Tropang Giga played in the Terrific 12 in Macau in 2019.
Fajardo was also present during the Terrific 12 but didn’t suit up for the fourth place Beermen due to an ankle injury while Alas also sat out the Road Warriors’ fourth place finish in the Super 8 in 2018 due to an ACL tear.