Frank Lao sticks familiar basketball brand on new volleyball squad

FILE–Gerflor Defenders wrap up their PVL All-Filipino campaign. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The savior that came to the rescue of Gerflor in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) has finally named its newest squad—and it has quite a familiar ring to it.

Businessman Frank Lao announced on Saturday that the new team will carry the Strong Group Athletics (SGA) brand in the PVL, but while the team is still under construction, its sister squad continued bolstering its roster ahead of the league’s coming season.

“Putting up a second team in the Premier Volleyball League is a no-brainer for us,” Lao said in the announcement of SGA joining the pro league. “The PVL has been a consistent source of entertainment for fans of all ages, and we are excited to contribute to the league in whatever way we can.”

Strong Group is the sister team of Farm Fresh, which is also owned by Lao, the “good samaritan” to the former Defenders after shouldering their salary concerns following the alleged nonpayment of the Gerflor management.

The brand is the same one carried by a basketball squad that competes in an annual tournament in the Middle East. This year’s Strong Group basketball team has drawn a lot of attention after signing NBA champion Dwight Howard and former Gilas Pilipinas main man Andray Blatche as imports.

“Having a second team will lead to more opportunities for Filipino volleyball players and coaches. We believe in the potential of our athletes, and by providing additional platforms for them to showcase their talents, we are contributing to the growth of volleyball in the country,” Lao, who also owns the Converge FiberXers in the PBA, added.

Former Gerflor head coach Sammy Acaylar, however, told the Inquirer that he is still waiting for Lao’s decision if he would need him to lead the new squad. Acaylar added that he will respect if the management would decide it would no longer need his services.

Strong Group’s entry to the pro volleyball league was also welcomed by PVL president Ricky Palou.

No lineup yet

“We are truly thankful to Frank Lao and Strong Group Athletics for not only helping pay the salaries of the Gerflor Defenders last year but also for taking the bold step of starting a second team in the PVL,” Palou said. “This shows their strong commitment to the development and success of volleyball in the Philippines.”

Strong Group hasn’t released its roster yet.

Meanwhile, the Foxies continued their buildup to the season, signing more recruits to bolster its young roster. Spikers Jolina dela Cruz, Chinnie Arroyo and Elaine Kasilag were picked up from the defunct F2 Logistics, middle blocker Jaycel delos Reyes was plucked from Chery Tiggo. Two former University of Santo Tomas standouts will also join Farm Fresh: libero Janel Delerio and outside hitter Ypril Tapia.

The newest Foxies will join team captain Louie Romero, Kate Santiago, Sofia Ildefonso, Alyssa Bertolano and the powerful Trisha Tubu as well as the young core of College of St. Benilde stalwarts in their bid for a much better finish in the upcoming season.

Farm Fresh ended up at the 13th spot in its debut in the last Invitational Conference before placing 10th in the season-ending All-Filipino Conference after scoring its first two franchise wins.