THE Davao-Go-Duterte Eagles proved it is ready for the next season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) after dethroning defending champion University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 94-90, in the finals of the 33rd Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament held at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center that was fill to the rafters Sunday evening.
After sporting a 2-1 slate in the eliminations, the Miguel Solitaria-coached Davao arranged a titular showdown with the University of Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) team that they also defeated in the round-robin eliminations.
Solitaria said the win reflected the team's acceptance of the system that they established since the Davao squad was formed two months ago.
"Well, the team really embraced the kind of game that we wanted to do. I guess that made us win last night," Solitaria, who lauded the players for their "relentless" efforts and trust, said, adding that the tournament served as a test for a possible entry into the MPBL.
He said Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher "Bong" Go and SBP regional director Glenn Escandor decided that the team will join the MPBL and the Kadayawan was only a tune-up.
Escandor, according to Solitaria, confirmed yesterday Davao-Go-Duterte's participation in the league created by Senator Manny Pacquiao.
Davao-Go-Duterte's roster will be composed mostly by their core players but Manila-based Dabawenyos may reinforce the team.
Solitaria, meanwhile, thanked coach Ronel Leuterio for leading the coaching staff and the whole team.
“The championship wouldn’t be possible without him, and of course our bosses Mr. Glenn Escandor who have been very generous to us and SAP Bong Go for allowing us to represent the president and Davao City,” he said.