New owners for Pasig five, Imus in MPBL

Pasig and the Grindhouse Kings were a winning combination in the Chooks-To-Go 3 x 3 tournament.

 But in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, the two entities parted ways as Pasig had already identified a new group which will take over the ownership of the Pasig Pirates.

 The Pineda Construction group will assume ownership of the Pirates starting May 10 as the MPBL approved its take over on its operations. The group will officially sign in as new owner at the mansion of league founder Senator Manny Pacquiao, along with expansion team, Bicol Volcanoes.

 Aside from taking over the Pasig Pirates’ franchise, the new owner is also bringing a familiar face who will manage the team.

Long-time Sta. Lucia Realty team manager and two-time PBA Executive of the Year awardee Buddy Encarnado has been appointed team manager of the Pasig Pirates, as confirmed by owner Gene Pineda.

With Pasig finding a new partner which will run the show in the MPBL, the Grindhouse Kings instead inked a deal with the Imus Bandera. Under the agreement, Grindhouse Kings will be the managing partner of the rebuilding squad owned by Ruby Navarro.

Lou Abad, who manages the Grindhouse Kings, confirmed the partnership and he will bring along Budds Reyes, who will become the new head coach of the squad.

Imus has undergone a rebuilding process, releasing key players like MPBL All-Star Ian Melencio, deadshot swingman Winston Baltazar, pesky guard Dan Alberto and ex-pro Jomari Sollano.

The new Imus management is expected to announce its new lineup.