PBA D-League: Aguilas provide chance for Mindanao-based players to shine
Mindanao Aguilas during the PBA D-League opening. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
There are teams who have named themselves based on the city where they’re based, like the Cebu Gems or San Juan Knights of the now defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association, but a newcomer to the PBA D-League kicked it up a notch.
They named themselves based on one big island.
Meet the Mindanao Aguilas, the new kids of the league whol will field a team mostly composed of players from Mindanao.
Rolando Navarro Jr., part owner of the team, said the Aguilas’ goal is to give opportunities to Mindanaoans who usually are not high priority compared to Manila-based players.
“There are good players from Mindanao who we’re never given any opportunities,” Navarro said Wednesday. “For instance if someone from Mindanao who plays really good tries his luck in Manila, but competes against someone from Manila, the one from Manila will get the nod.”
Of the 12 players listed, nine are from Mindanao and Navarro hopes one of them could be the next Mark Barroca.
“Actually Mark Barroca is our inspiration,” Navarro said. “We’re hoping we can produce another Mark Barroca or Mike Tolomia.”
“What we want is to give opportunities to those players from Mindanao to play here in Manila.”
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