The SOCCSKSARGEN Marlins may be one of the newest teams in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), but they surely have the heart and the fighting spirit to compete — and.win — against the 30 other teams in the fast-growing regional league organized by Sen. Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend Kenneth Duremdes as commissioner.
In fact, the Armor on Philippines-supported Marlins hope to create a good first impression under team sponsors Kevin Espinosa and Norm Conti, head coach Biboy Simon and team manager Henry Serrano.
“We’re a new team hoping to make a difference in this MPBL Lakan Cup. With the help of our LGU and our new sponsor, we’re confident we’ll do well,” said Serrano during the 29th TOPS “Usapang Sports” at the National Press Club in Intramuros last Thursday.
“In the MPBL, we hope to focus a lot on defense, although our head coach (Simon) is a proven scorer during his playing days. Team effort lagi,” added Serrano, who was joined in the weekly forum by Espinosa, Conti, and assistant coaches Manny Torralba and Danny Florano.
“Kahit first time namin mag-join sa MPBL, target namin talaga nakapasok sa playoffs. added Torralba. “Mahaba iting tournament. We have 30 games in all.”
Added Florano: “We can assure you na competitive itong team namin. Lalaban talaga.”
Leading the charge of the Marlins are former Talk N Text mainstay Aby Santos, ex-Philippine Christian University standout Ian Garrido, Davao find John Samigue and homegrown stars Mikko Estrellante and Excel Nocos.
Also with the team is ex-PBA star Norman Gonzales.
Espinosa admitted that the team still has a lot of work to do with the final line-up yet to be completed and their first game against Season 1 runner-up Muntinlupa scheduled on July 12
“Marami pang kailangan ayusin, peto tiwala naman kami sa kakatmyahan ng aming coaching staff, pati na sa aming mga players,” said Espinosa, who took over the team only recently following problems encountered by.original owners.
The Marlins are presently holding their practice at the CCP gym in Sta. Mesa.
All five players present during the forum vowed to do their best to pull off surprises in the league.
“Yun leadership at experience ko ang pwede ko ibigay sa team bawat game,” said the 6-4 Santos during the forum also sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Press Club, PAGCOR, Community Basketball Association and GG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drinks.
Garrido, a veteran forward out of PCU, and Eman, younger brother of Samigue Eman of Davao, will provide the toughness that the team needs.Estrellante, a native of Davao Occidental, and Nocos, the pride of Saranggani, hope to make the most of their opportunity to excel despite being homegrown players.
Asked about the decision of Armor On to support the team, Espinosa said MPBLwill be a good advertising venue for the company.
“Malaking opportunity din itong pagsali namin sa sa MPBL para maipakita yun produkto namin na Armor On sportswear. Hopefully magtuloy-tuloy kami,” said Espinosa.