DON Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) is now known all over the Philippines. Besides producing outstanding alumni, DHVSU is in the news. It is the site of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup. The basketball court of the University is world-class. Credit goes to the dynamic leadership of DHVSU President, Dr. Enrique Baking.
Did you know that the best basketball guard in Southeast Asia, Jayson Castro of Talk N Text team, is a product of DHVSU?
Pampanga is the home of several players in the roster of PBA teams.
Arwind Santos is an important cog in the San Miguel Champion team. Long before June Mar Fajardo’s rise, Arwind led this franchise to several championships. Pampanga is proud of his son, Arwind.
The high leaping Japeth Aguilar counts Sasmuan as his hometown. Remove Japeth from Ginebra, half of the never say die attitude of the team will be gone.
Magnolia Hotshots is bannered by two Pampangueños, Ian Sangalang and Calvin Abueva. Ian has proven that he is one of the best centers in the league. Abueva is known as a beast on the court; he seems to be afraid of nothing.
Even the upcoming teams like Northport and Rain or Shine have Pampanga connections. Jamie Malonzo of San Simon has a secured future with Northport barring any injuries.
Mocon of Rain or Shine is from Guagua. He has proven to be a winner.
NLEX will not be able to compete in the PBA without its mercurial coach, Yeng Guiao. We all know that Yeng is from Magalang, Pmapanga. He counts on player Miranda (a Pampangueño) as one of his enforcers.
Blackwater has not won a game in the current tournament but they have a winner in player Escoto from Angeles City.
The choice of DHVSU as a venue is not accidental. DHVSU is prepared when the opportunity calls. Without fear of contradiction, I conclude that Pampanga has the most active star players in the PBA. If you take the Province of Pampanga from the equation, the PBA crumbles.