Noosa Shoes joins PBL

Former league chair Dioceldo Sy is back to resume his quest for a first Philippine Basketball League title.

This time though, Sy said he’ll use the product Noosa Shoes as his launching pad instead of Blu Detergents when the league’s 2008 season unfolds next month.

“We’re back in the PBL under Noosa Shoes,” Sy yesterday told The STAR.

Under Blu Detergents, Sy served as league chair early in the decade, filed for an indefinite leave of absence to venture for business opportunities abroad five years back, before deciding to return this year.

Sy said he already met with commissioner Chino Trinidad, his deputy Tommy Ong and executive assistant Butch Maniego Friday leaving just a few kinks to iron out before it could become the eighth member of the league.

The other members are four-peat champion Harbour Centre, Hapee Toothpaste, Toyota Balintawak, San Mig Coffee, Mail and More, Pharex and Bacchus Energy Drink.

“We already met with the commissioner regarding the matter and they will call an emergency board meeting soon to announce it,” Sy said.

Leo Isaac, who coached Sy’s team in the past, will handle the Shoe Stars with standouts from the Mapua Cardinals headed by reigning NCAA MVP Kelvin dela Peña and the Arellano Chiefs, the reigning NCRAA champions, beefing up the squad.