By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo United Royals are back in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and are seeking a decent finish after almost two years of inactivity as a team.
With one week and a half before the MPBL Invitational kick-off backed by Chooks-to-Go, a mix of familiar and new faces will compose the United Royals.
Holdovers from their recent lineup will lead the team including Ilonggos Aaron Jeruta and Jay Javelosa while the hardworking John Mahari, big man Mac Racho, and shooter Donald Gumaru will also see action.
One of Iloilo’s key acquisitions for the incoming league is former PBA player and veteran Chito Jaime who led the Muntinlupa Cagers last 2018 season.
Concluding the final list of players for Iloilo are Bryeo Bunyi, Darwish Bederi, Jayson David, Adrian De Guzman, Levi Hernandez, Axel Iñigo, John Paul Maguilano, Matt Santiago, Marwin Taywan, and Gelo Vito.
Long-time head coach and former PBA tactician Eric Gonzales will still call the shots for the United Royals.
Iloilo drew Pool A for the tournament group stages together with Caloocan Excellence, All-Star Bacolod Ballers, Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors, Negros Muscovados, and the Bacoor Strikers.
The tournament will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City from December 11-23 and the team who will reign supreme will take home the grand prize of 2,000,000 pesos.
