STAR, PAF rejoin MBL caging

MANILA, Philippines - The Star Group of Publications and Philippine Air Force, two of the original members of the Millennium Basketball League (MBL), will make their comeback when the league kicks off its season-ending tournament tomorrow at the Lyceum gym in Intramuros.

The two teams, along with Wang’s Ballclub and Lyceum of the Philippines, were considered as pillars of the MBL during its formative years in early 2000.

“We’re very happy to see the return of Air Force and The STAR Group in our league, which is now on its 11th year,” said MBL chairman Alex Wang.

Handled by Rene Recto and managed by Mike Maneze, The STAR Group will rely on shooting guard Dennis Rodriguez and several former top collegiate players now working with the company.

They include Cris Corbin, Gerald Ortega and Alfred Bartolome, who all played for the University of the East Warriors, former PMI Admirals Ver Roque and Mario Geocada, Jong Bondoc and Lester Reyes.

The other participating teams are Wang’s Ballclub (coach Pablo Lucas), Lyceum-Ocean Fresh (coach Bonnie Tan), Manuel Luis Quezon University (coach Sherman Crisostomo), Rizal Technological University (coach Beaujing Acot), EJM Pawnshop (coach Andy De Guzman) and Hobe Bihon (coach Junnel Mendiola).