Philippine Sports News and Updates

This new kid on the PBL block is out to make a very good impression.

Pharex, a leading pharmaceutical firm, just became the newest member of the PBL, and might just create some ripples in the new season that starts late next month.

The first part of the mission is us being proud of this team, and make the players proud that they are part of it, said Carlo Tan, who at 31, should be one of the youngest coaches in the league.

Yes, I'm being thrown into the fire. But it's better to be part of something big than be a mere bystander, said Tan in Tuesday's PSA Forum at
Shakey's United Nations Ave.

Tan, who started coaching in Canada before handling the Xavier School the last few years, is a firm believer of the excellent ball movement  and strong outside shooting.

“This is what international basketball is all about. I'm also a big fan of preparation, of studying one's strength and knowing how it can outweigh the strength of the others, he said.

The first year will be spent on forming a competitive team, added team manager and former Ateneo Blue Eagle Jean Alabanza in the weekly forum sponsored by Red Bull and Pagcor.

While the team roster is still empty, Alabanza said they hope to fill in the space by the end of the month when the PBL holds its dispersal draft on Sept. 14 and the annual draft on Sept. 28.

Alabanza said they have their eyes on UAAP standouts like Marcy Arellano, Mark Borboran, Marnel Baracael, Rick Cawaling, Edwin Asoro, Jervy Cruz and Jonathan Fernandez.

Also in the forum were team owner Jappy Pascual and Pharex Health Corp. division manager Ding Camua.

We don't have anybody yet. We haven't signed anyone yet. But there's the dispersal draft, and three days after that we hold our tryouts. Then comes the annual draft, said Alabanza.

The new PBL season starts in late October. Hopefully, by this time, Pharex is armed with a potent team ready to do battle with the PBL regulars, and generate its own following.

Why the PBL? the youthful team owner was asked.

We know that the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) is the most popular league in the country. And the PBL is the second most popular. And we don't want to jump right into the PBA, said Pascual.

The PBA has a very good TV coverage and it will be a very good exposure for our products, he added.  Abac Cordero.

Source: ABS-CBN News