2 weeks Ago By Tempo Desk
The Ilagan Isabela Cowboys are gunning for the playoffs in their first stint in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Seventh Season. Head coach Louie Gonzalez set the target after assembling a competitive team for the country’s biggest regional tournament starting on March 8 at the Capital Arena in the City of Ilagan, the provincial capital. “I’m very happy, barely two weeks, and the players, including the homegrowns, are already showing chemistry,” said Gonzalez.
“They have built a relationship and trust each other.” Gonzalez, coach of the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers till last year, said his work as an MPBL game analyst up to the Sixth Season enabled him to select players that would fit into his system, complement each other, and withstand the rigors of the long season (till December) ahead.” “The best ability is availability,” said Gonzalez.
“I envision a team that could adjust to whatever brand of play they would encounter.” To achieve that, the Cowboys, headed by crack point guard Philip Manalang and homegrowns Allan Mina and Guilmer Dela Torre, underwent a one-week training camp where they bonded with each other and built rapport with the locals. Also in the Cowboys’ roster are Mark Dyke, 6-foot-7 Dave Ando, Macoy Marcos, JR Olegario, Joshua Gallano, Joshua Ramirez, Ryan Reyes, Gabriel Gomez, Sean Quitevis, Ryan Arenal, Allan Santos and Andre Duremdes, son of MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes.
Other homegrowns are Aldrin Adorio, Shawn Bautista, Efraim Boado and Victor Buraga. Being finalized is the acquisition of Ilagan City icon Val Acuna. Apart from thrice-a-day practices, the Cowboys are doing roadwork and weight sessions.
No wonder, they are nearing peak physical condition, according to Gonzalez, the current president of the (BCAP) Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines. Gonzalez said he’s very lucky as the Cowboys are propped up by the overwhelming support of the Diaz family, headed by team owner Jose Avelino C. Diaz and Ilagan City Mayor Josemarie Diaz.
Hands-on in the team are Isabela Board Member Evyn Jay Diaz and Ilagan Councilor Jayve Evson Diaz. Looking forward, Gonzalez said he wants the Cowboys to have their core, (winning) culture and (distinct) brand..
