CEBU, Philippines - Van Halen Parmis brings his coaching acumen back to Mindanao as he will be calling the shots for talent-laden Joannie Team in the 2014 Bayugan City Mayor's Cup Invitational Basketball Tournament set from June 27-29 at the Lope Asis Memorial Gymnasium in Bayugan, Agusan del Sur.
"It's a tough four-team field, but as they say the ball is round. We will just give our best shot and hopefully win the championship," said Parmis, a consistent winner in several pocket tournaments he joined in Vis-Min area.
Parmis, presently assistant coach of reigning CESAFI champion University of the Visayas Green Lancers, pins his hopes on former PBA cagers Ardy Larong, Reed Friar Juntilla, and Jercules Tangkay as well as ex-collegiate star Brian Heruela and Ferdinand Lusdoc as they seek to take home the staggering P250,000 champion's purse.
The second placer of the cash-rich event presented by the city government of Bayugan under the flagship of Mayor Kim Lope A. Asis will receive P150,000, while the third and fourth will get P100,000 and P75,000, respectively.
"We're looking forward to showcase our hardcourt skills in Bayugan as it is one place where real basketball happens," said Parmis.
Aside from the UV Lancers of coach Felix "Donbel" Belano, Jr. who will also see action in the two-day tilt, Team Joannie is expected to face tough battle against PBA D-League contender Boracay Rum of coach Lawrence Chiongson and the SG Merchandise of host Bayugan manned by Eliud Poligrates and Jayford Rodriguez of Rain or Shine in the PBA.
Joannie Team's Bayugan trip is backstopped by Garvey Dy, brand associate of Omega Pain Killer, Jimberns Builders and Construction Supply, Madyaw Construction, and Panalay Tailoring. — EBV (FREEMAN)