Tamaraws aim higher with new backer Cruz

The Mindoro Tamaraws will be younger, faster, and stronger in the next Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League season.

Team owner Justin Tan gave this assurance after the Tamaraws found another major supporter in Mayor Jennifer Cruz of Pola, Oriental Mindoro.

Cruz, a former actress, print model, producer and beauty queen (Mrs. Universe Philippines 2015), has agreed to become a part owner of the Tamaraws, who wound up with a 9-win, 21-loss record and 24th among 31 teams in the stalled Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season.

According to Tan, Cruz, screen name Ina Alegre, has talked to MPBL founder and CEO Manny Pacquiao regarding her intention to be a part of the league already in the homestretch of its division finals when the enhanced community lockdown was implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cruz promised to approach companies in the province and Mimaropa (Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) region to contribute to the cause of the Tamaraws, being backed by 7A Sports, in consonance with the growth area’s tourism programs.

Also extending support to the Tamaraws are LGU partners Oriental Mindoro Rep. Doy Leachon and Board Member Mikan Leachon, who filed an adopted resolution officially recognizing the Tamaraws as the province’s MPBL team.

Cong. Leachon, on the other hand, is spearheading the construction of the Tamaraws’ homecourt in Calapan City, the provincial capital.

The Tamaraws, with Tan also doubling as head coach, will again be led by former PBA All-Star and Smart Gilas member Mac Baracael and prized find Rodel Vaygan, an MPBL All-Star.

Tan said he’ll be conducting tryouts in Pola, which will serve as the Tamaraws’ home base, in search of more homegrown talents like Vaygan of San Teodoro town, and in Manila to complete the roster.

“I want a young, running team,” said Tan, who is eyeing two crack point guards and mobile big men. “I hope to find hidden gems from the other school leagues like the NAASCU (National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities), UCBL (Universities and Colleges Basketball League) and NCAA-South.”

Other likely Tamaraws are Richard Abanes, Raymond Matias and homegrowns Kerr Hastley Bangeles, Khen Osicos, Jay Axalan, King Astrero and Francis Nathaniel Acedillo.

“Our goal is to improve on our standing and make the playoffs,” said Tan.