Nine hotshots from Western Visayas will banner their respective teams as the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, tipped off at the Mall of Asia Arena.
University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons fielded three Western Visayas standouts – Iloilo City’s Gerry Abadiano, Silay City native Harold Alarcon, and Bago City’s Reyland Torres.
Adamson University Falcons also tapped regional talent, with Isabela, Negros Occidental rookie Kenji Cañete and Pontevedra’s Kobe Demisana seeing actions for the squad.
Veteran forward Cedrick Manzano, who grew up in Romblon but played high school ball for Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix, also strengthens the Falcons’ roster.
The University of the East Red Warriors will be starred by rookies Dylan Despi and Jax Distrito, nephew of former PBA player Rudy Distrito.
Iloilo City’s Ian Espinosa joins powerhouse Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, while Bacolod’s Luis Pablo represents De La Salle University Green Archers.
Other participating schools in Season 88 include the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, National University Bulldogs, and Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
With the region’s representation in the Manila-based universities, it proved that Western Visayas is a hotbed of quality ballers in the country.IMT
