D-League second season unfolds with 11-team cast

MANILA, Philippines - The PBA D-League kicks off its second season on Oct. 20 with 11 teams, led by inaugural champion NLEX, vying for the Aspirant’s Cup.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud said the first conference of the fledgling league guarantees a more exciting tournament with two new teams and lots of fresh talents in the fold.

“There will be a lot of new faces in this season of the D-League. The entry of two new ball clubs and the effort of the teams to improve on their respective lineups ensure the fans of a high level of entertainment,” Salud said.

However, four teams that saw action in the league’s inaugurals – Maynilad, Max Bond, Powerade and Pharex – are skipping the First Conference.

Making its debut is Trinity College-Dub Unlimited and Boracay Rhum. The other teams seeing action are Cebuana Lhuillier, RnW Pacific Pipes, Big Chill, Café France, Blackwater, PC Gilmore, Freego and Cobra Energy Drink.

“All teams practically beefed-up their rosters so I expect the competition to be a lot more intense this season,” Salud said.

NLEX has lost guards Eric Salamat, Pamboy Raymundo and Ogie Menor, who are now with the PBA, but the Road Warriors remain a force to reckon with in the league.

“We still have a solid line-up. It’s just a matter of how we will play as a team,” NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez said.

Cebuana Lhuillier, the team NLEX faced in the championship series, practically assembled a new team headed by former PBL MVP Vic Manuel, former pro Jai Reyes, James Mangahas, Paul Sanga, Raymund Almazan and Adrian Celada.

“Right now our modest goal is to try to be competitive as we can,” said Cebuana Lhuillier coach Luigi Trillo.