Tuesday, May 20, 2008 MLKP Jewelers adopt new identity for Liga Pilipinas
STARTING May 31, the multi-titled M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Jewelers will be carrying a new identity when they compete in the inaugural Liga Pilipinas which open doors in Cebu City.
The Jewelers, the name that has been attached to the team owned by basketball patron Michel Lhuillier and coached by the decorated Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba for more than 20 years will now be called the Cebu Niños, the representatives to the nationwide amateur basketball tournament organized by former PBA commissioner Noli Eala and sanctioned by the BAP-SBP.
However, the team will still parade the same faces of the Jewelers led by veteran players Stephen Padilla, Bruce Dacia, Woodrow Enriquez and Danny Aying and big men Ronald Capati and Marlon Basco.
The reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) back-to-back MVP Enrico Llanto is also in the team together with former MVPs Jayford Rodriguez and Jerry Cavan.
Alcoseba is eyeing the services of Mark Ababon, another former Cesafi MVP, for additional firepower at the backcourt and versatile power forward Michael Luga to the roster. Alcoseba is also negotiating for another post player to fill the 12th slot.
With the current set-up, the Niños are considered as one of the early favorites to win the first ever Liga Pilipinas title.
“The other teams have been building up because this is a very prestigious national tournament. (But) we promise to do our best especially in our home games at the Cebu Coliseum,” said Alcoseba.
The opening rites of the regular season will be held at the Cebu Coliseum on May 31 with a pre-season tournament catering to the grand opening salvo scheduled on May 24 also at the same venue.
Aside from the Niños, other team who will be pitting skills in the Liga Pilipinas includes Ilocos Sur, Pampanga, Taguig, Laguna, Quezon, Iloilo, Negros, Zamboanga, Pagadian, Ozamiz, Davao and Misamis Oriental. (RCM)
