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| Actor and congressman Arjo Atayde is not the Quezon City Black Bulls' team owner, according to JC Tan. From Atayde's Facebook page |
MANILA--A Quezon City-based basketball aficionado introduced himself as the team owner of the aforementioned town's Black Bulls squad and said that Arjo Atayde is never a part of the ownership group.
JC Tan categorically disputed reports saying that the actor is the team owner of the QC franchise and said that he is the only one in charge.
“We would like to clarify that Cong. Atayde is not a franchise team owner, but most of the homegrown players of Quezon City came to his own sports grassroots programs. I’m the team owner, and we are so happy that he gave his players the opportunity to play for our team,” Tan said.
He added that it was just coincidental that the core of the lineup that will play in this year's MPBL season is made up of players from the D1 Basketball League, which Atayde founded in 2022 during his first term as congressman for Quezon City's first district.
“So proud of all the players that played in the D1 League, and we are happy that we discovered them, and most of them have studied at Gardner College. They showed everyone that they are all worthy of playing in a high-level competitive pro league,” Tan said.
“I think this is the right time to aim for greatness and prove themselves they are ready for the MPBL.”
Multiple reports last month linked Atayde to the Black Bulls ownership, claiming that he has a hand in bankrolling the players' salaries.
However, the rumored link came amid allegations that dragged the husband of Eat Bulaga host Maine Mendoza into the flood control scam.
Tan took over the QC franchise ownership from Grand Taipan Land, which also bankrolls the Galeries Tower Highrisers in the PVL, during the offseason.
He then initiated a major overhaul, letting go of the team's entire 2025 roster and bringing in Pat Buena, MJ Joson, Kenz Diokno, Joeben Loria, Ryan Arceo, Jake Agoncillo, Gab Salazar, Ryan Arceo, Nonon Lastra, Jeff Morillo, Aldave Canoy, Ryan Costelo, Clark Derige, Jay Gadon, Kobe Monje, Aeron Marvin Bagunu, Kai Espinosa, Joe Benzon Joven, Bryan Rosalin, Charles Dela Cruz, Josh Roque, Rey Publico, and Ammar Cosari.
With coach Jayv Olea at the helm, the Black Bulls showed promise, going 4-4 in the MPBL Preseason Invitational and were in contention for a playoff spot.
They will begin their regular season quest on the road on Friday night against the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
QC's first home stand is scheduled on May 14 at the Quezon City District 2 Gymnasium against Valenzuela.
