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| The Abra Weavers are facing the possibility of holding EASL "home games" in Cebu Greats' territory and also in Ilocos. LA Arcin |
BIÑAN—Head coach Yong Garcia confirmed on Saturday that there is a possibility that not all of Abra's home stands in the EASL will be played at the Andres Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued.
Speaking to Dugout Philippines right after the Weavers zapped the Valenzuela Darkhorse at the Alonte Sports Arena, Garcia affirmed what Spin.PH's Gerry Ramos previously reported that the EASL is eyeing one of their "home games" at the SM Seaside City Arena right at the heart of the Cebu Greats' territory in Cebu City.
"Noong initial meeting, yun ang na-mention: yung first game is sa Cebu," Garcia said.
However, he also revealed that the MPBL's lone pride of the Cordillera Administrative Region could hold a home game too in the Ilocos Region.
Despite the situation, Garcia somehow ensured that Bangued would get its dose of EASL action.
"Yung ibang home games, inaalam pa kung saan yung mas puwede, pero ang plano, parang mas gusto na sa north, sa Candon, Laoag, or maybe sa Abra," Garcia further said.
He then clarified that both the EASL and Abra are still finalizing the setup for the club's home stands, but the team management prefers playing up north.
"Siyempre, ang gusto, as per management, mas gusto nila doon sa North para doon sa mga taga-Abra talaga na mas malapit na makasuporta doon sa team namin," Garcia further said, although he kept mum when asked if he prefers the multi-city hosting setup or the all-Bangued home stand.
The Weavers make history as the first MPBL team to play in the EASL after the home-and-away league, pitting some of the best teams from various countries in East Asia, welcomed PBA teams from 2018 until the recent season.
"We're very happy and very excited kami mag-represent sa EASL, and hopefully na mabuo namin nang maayos yung team at makapag-compete kami nang maayos sa EASL," said Garcia, who led Abra to the MPBL championship last year in only its second season of existence as an expansion.
While he said that the team is still on the lookout for foreign reinforcements, that is, two world imports and one Asian import, Garcia said that the current MPBL roster, led by 2025 star holdovers Dave Ildefonso, Raven Gonzales, and Encho Serrano, as well as rookie sensations DJ Fenner, Tucker Molina, and Drex Delos Reyes, will make up the core of the EASL lineup among the locals.
Garcia also said that Abra is now in talks with a prospect for its naturalized Filipino spot, although he admitted he has no idea who the team management is negotiating with.
The Weavers can choose between Justin Brownlee, Ange Kouame, and Malick Diouf for the said spot, although Bennie Boatwright can be added to the choices if he finally completes his naturalization process.
However, barring a change of heart, Kouame could be ruled out as he just signed a contract to play with an undisclosed French club.
