Former amateur star Jerie Pingoy, MPBL vet Mon Mabayo lead Iloilo in return to regional league

JR Sumido and Ralf Olivarez are joining Iloilo.

By Stewart Tan

MANILA--Former Adamson guard Jerie Pingoy banners the initial list of Iloilo United Royals-Cocolife players in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season.

Pingoy, who starred in the high school level as well as in college, is among those who have been recruited by the team during the preseason.

Also formalizing their contract with the United Royals were former University of the East standouts Ralf Olivarez and JR Sumido and veteran pros Ryan Arambulo and Mon Mabayo. 

Sumido, a native of Zarraga, Iloilo, will be among the two homegrown players of the United Royals in their MPBL return.

United Royals team manager Jay Javelosa said that the five players have signed their contracts with the team on Wednesday while they are still in talks with some players to complete their lineup.

“So far, we have fivd sure players for our team but we are finalizing the contract details of our other players,” Javelosa said. “We will definitely have a competitive team in our MPBL return.”

Manu Inigo, the former mentor of the San Beda University’s high school basketball team, will serve as the new head coach of the United Royals, replacing Eric Gonzales, who is now with MPBL newcomers Quezon Huskers.

The United Royals last played in the league during the 2021 MPBL Invitational bubble tournament where they were defeated by the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the quarterfinals.

Follow the site on Twitter: @DugoutPH