El Tigre on the prowl

By Jerome Lagunzad

Games June 12
7 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies
7:30 p.m. – General Santos vs Marikina
9:30 p.m. – Mandaluyong vs Muntinlupa

Led by two-time UAAP league MVP Ray Parks, the Mandaluyong El Tigre are expected to be on the prowl as they join the title hunt in the 2018 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Anta Datu Cup that gets going on Tuesday – Independence Day – at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The El Tigre, handled by former Alab Pilipinas mentor Mac Cuan, are determined to make some noise in the fledging nationwide cage tournament which has already lured 26 teams for its second conference following a successful inaugural staging.

No less than Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos and her husband Benhur, together with some city officials, expressed their unwavering support to the El Tigre squad which is seen by many as one of the top title contenders.

“You have the support of the city and we pray for your success in this new challenge,” said Menchie Abalos during the team presentation last Monday at the City Hall Atrium in Mandaluyong City.

“Mandaluyong may be one of the smallest cities in the country but our homegrown basketball team finished 3rd place during the recent Palarong Pambansa. Our homegrown talents are something we are proud of, just like many of the El Tigre members,” added Benhur Abalos.

The 6-foot-3 Parks, the back-to-back ASEAN Basketball League Local MVP winner who was born in Barangay Malamig, should be at the forefront of the El Tigre’s attack, with former La Salle standout Prince Rivero, Alab teammate JR Alabanza, former pro Mac Andaya and actor Xian Lim backing him up.

The El Tigre will open their campaign against the Muntinlupa Cagers, the bridesmaid finishers to inaugural champion Batangas Athletics, and Cuan is confident about their title chances.