THE Davao Occidental Tigers will parade its all-Filipino roster against Imus Bandera as as the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 14, at the Alonte Sports Arena in Laguna.
The Mindanao-based team of Malita's Claudine Bautista will lean on Davao City players Louie Medalla, Jay Cabañog, Ronald Lamocha, Mikko Estrellante, Don Adormeo and Bob Ombecan with former PBA player Leo Najorda, Manuelito Osabel, Leo Paller, Paul Siarot, Edrian Lao, Emman Calo, Bogs Raymundo, Billy Robles, Mario Leonidas and Joseph Terso beefing up the squad.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters coaching staff Don Dulay will head the Tigers with former PBA star Rob Wainright and Arvin Bonleon as assistant coaches.
Medalla, who is the current captain ball of the Tigers in a Facebook chat with Sun.Star Davao yesterday, said they will bring their A game in their first assignment against the Banderas and will do their best to win their debut game.
"Ready na kaayo mi, dumog nani ugma (We are ready to compete)," the Dabawenyo said.
The Tigers trained in Davao City for a month for tune-up games and meet and greet with Dabawenyo fans.
Last May 29, the Tigers outplayed Davao City-based commercial team Tin24, 91-69, in an exhibition match played at the jampacked Rizal Remorial Colleges Gym.