Former PBA stars join forces in PSL expansion Boracay Islanders

The Boracay Islanders look to be a stacked squad ahead of the PSL 2nd Conference. PSL

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--For the first time ever, the pristine island of Boracay will be represented in a regional basketball league.

And it looks like the team representing the place is going all-in in its maiden journey.

The PSL revealed on Sunday that a team to be known as the "Islanders" will represent Boracay for the league's upcoming second conference.

While the team has no full roster yet, among those who joined team owner Monching Talisayon in the signing of a memorandum of understanding with PSL officials Rocky Chan, Ray Alao, and Leo Isaac are familiar names in pro basketball.

PBA legends Jayjay Helterbrand, KG Canaleta, Mac Cardona, and Brian Faundo, and former MPBL veteran Jojo Cunanan, who recently joined the PBA too through its 3x3 league, were present at the signing.

They could likely be the main men for the Boracay squad, which in the process could also make the club a pre-tournament favorite.

Among those also confirmed to be joining the new conference, which will start on Oct. 29, are Davao Occidental, the reigning Pearl of the Orient Cup champion, Bicol, which made headlines after walking out of a game also the last conference, and another newcomer in Sta. Rosa.

Three Metro Manila cities, Caloocan, San Juan, and Quezon City, also made their intention of joining the league known.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno