Returning Pilipinas Super League (PSL) member Bicol Spicy Oragons hope to produce a basketball masterpiece worthy of the region and the people they represent.
Bicol Spicy Oragons coach Monnel Kallos believes the team, built around young and experienced players, is up to the challenge.
“We’re ready. The Bicol Spicy Oragons will hit the ground running once the new PSL conference kicks off next month,” said Kallos during the team’s media presentation at the Roadhouse Manila Bay last Thursday.
A proud son of Tabaco, Kallos hopes to deliver a long-overdue title to Bicol and his provincemates in the newest regional basketball league headed by Rocky Chan and Ray Alao.
Kallos, a battle-tested veteran who also had a long and colorful coaching experience in Thailand, said the Spicy Oragons will bring PSL games to Bicol in the first week of December to bring the game closer to the people. He said Chan and PSL head of basketball operations Leo Isaac, who both attended the team launching, have already approved the proposal.
“Dadalhin namin sa Bicol itong PSL basketball for atleast two playing days. Pati siguro sa Masbate. Ngayon pa lang, madami na tayong mga kababayan ang nag-aabang sa PSL dun,” added Kallos.
Asked about Bicol’s chances in the 10-team competition lasting until the early part of 2023, Kallos expressed confidence the players would perform well as expected\
“Malaki ang tiwala namin ng coaching staff ko sa mga players namin. They know their roles in the team and they are eager to play their best,” explained Kallos.
He also lauded the PSL officials for approving the 25-man line-up aimed at giving more players the opportunity to play and introducing changes in the officiating by tapping the help of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
“Yun 25-player, 15-to-play format ngayon sa PSL, maganda yun. Malaking tulong sa mga players natin, lalo sa pamilya nila. Pati yun pag-relax ng rules na maaari na sila makalaro sa ibang liga provided they get permission from their teams.” Kallos also reiterated the Spicy Oragons’ mantra of redemption, which team manager manager Tony Oanes and assistant coaches Cesar Babasa and Rommel Banaga mentioned during a recent episode of “Sports on Air” podcast.
“Gaya nga ng mga nasabi na ng coaching staff ko, this is also redemption time for our team. Gusto namin ipakita yun tunay na Bicol team,”added Kallos, referring to the unfortunate incident when the team walked out of its game against Cagayan De Oro Higalas in protest of poor officiating last April 7. Oanes agreed with Kallos that the team is built not just to compete but win.
