Shark to attack in PBL

Shark Energy Drink may be a rookie team but with the intact core of defunct Chowking and talented additions, this Raul Panlilio-owned squad has the making of a champion.

"I'm quite surprised with the team. For now, we can't tell how far we can go. But gauging on the practices alone, this is one exciting team to watch. I believe this line-up has the making of a champion," said Panlilio.

"I'm also quite happy we absorbed the former Chowking franchise. I believe this team will be an effective avenue for the launching of our product," he added.

Panlilio sees it as a worthy investment. Aside from acquiring the status as regular PBL board member, Panlilio also acquired the services of coach Leo Austria and his reliable core composed of Rookie of the Year Roger Yap Jr., Chester Tolomia, Ronald Saracho, Rysal Castro and speedy Edgar Echavez.

The other former Chowking cagers in the team are Arnel Manalac, Cesar Romero, Gilbert Malabanan, Gerald Ortega, Christophel Abellana and Bong Salvador.

Beefing up the team are hardworking Jing Rodriguez who was acquired from Montana; three-point shooter Aries Dimaunahan and Fil-American Joshua Lambert.

The 6'3 Lambert played as shooting guard with the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He holds a personal best record of 37 points, and averaged 20 points, 11 rebounds and six assists during his high school days.

"I believe this is a much stronger team than our Chowking line-up," said Shark team manager Jesse Chua. "We're not promising anything except that this will be a very competitive team."

"Josh (Lambert) still have to adjust to the Filipino style of basketball. Medyo ilag pa sa physical games dahil hindi sila sanay doon. But he's slowly adapting to it lalo na't may katawan siya," said Austria.

Assisting Austria are Jing Ruiz, Jun Galapin and new recruit Alfonso "Dayong" Mendoza, son of Inquirer sports editor Al Mendoza and a former Ateneo juniors assistant coach.