By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo City Basketball Club (ICBC) just wrapped up its preparation for the upcoming first conference of 2023 after holding its players’ draft night last January 7, 2023.
From a total of seven competing teams last playing conference, the ICBC welcomed six new squads ready to take on the challenge of raising the first championship trophy of the year.
The old teams that stayed in the league: Bacfire Industrial Supplies, Clinica Dental Dela Llana, Selecta, Bigroys by Robejes Wonders, and LTC Fruits and Vegetables.
Meanwhile, CVV Wheels/Ill City, 42BIG, Leadgen QL Mortgage, Franz Batchoy, Vtrain Vape Bar, Medal Sportswear, and Dois Seafood/ Its RELX Iloilo are the new teams that will compete for the crown.
A total of 130 players got drafted during the ceremony held at the Monterosa Subdivision basketball gym, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
Several teams stuck to their last conference lineup including team Bigroys, the league’s defending champions led by John Rey Madulin (last conference MVP), Dexter John Lacanaria, and Dacks Galvez.
Another team to watch in the upcoming conference is team Its RELX featuring the deadly sniper duo of Paul Razel Rubin and Joshua Mana-ay.
The league’s first conference of the year will be kicking off on March 6, 2023 and will still be held at the Monterosa basketball gym, ICBC’s home court for several years.
Aside from the 13 participating teams, the ICBC committee would like to thank B Hotel, Medal Sportswear, and Selecta as this conference’s partnering organizations.
It is an honor and a privilege for me to see that our ball club is growing. Despite of all the challenges in the past, I am proud to say that we have surpassed it with the help of everyone in promoting peace and unity and above all friendship. ICBC aims in helping everyone in boosting confidence, strengthening companionship and fostering teamwork amongst the youth of today,” said immediate past president Peter Oñate in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.