Dondon Hontiveros has opted to bring his talents to ALAB Pilipinas.
This is after the Cebuano hotshot signed a deal with the franchise, providing leadership and experience to the team in the 2017 ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) starting Nov. 17.
Hontiveros said his decision was made after new ALAB coach Jimmy Alapag, and franchise owner Virtual Playground of Dondon Monteverde and Charlie Dy reached out to him to be part of the team.
“They made me feel that I can help the team,” said Hontiveros yesterday when contacted by Bulletin-Tempo.
“Nakaka-excite kasi considering na 40-years-old na ako, tingin nila makaka-contribute pa ako sa team, helping the team in the next ABL season. I hope mag-tuluy-tuloy na maka-laro ako,” he added.
The team made the finals in last year’s ABL finals series but lost to Hong Kong Eastern Sports Club. ALAB opens its campaign on Nov. 19 against HK powered by Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Christian Standhardinger.
Hontiveros last played for Alaska which opted not to renew his contract. The team gave him a well-deserved tribute when the Aces played a month back in Cebu City.
Hontiveros started his professional career with the Cebu Gems with the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA). He joined the PBA as an original direct hire of Tanduay Rhum in 2000.
In 2002, when Tanduay disbanded and the franchise was eventually sold to Air21 through the Lina Group of Companies, Hontiveros was immediately shipped to his favorite team San Miguel Beer.
Hontiveros played for SMB until the 2011 season, before he was dealt back to the Air21 Express. He rejoined Petron Blaze Boosters (SMB) late in 2012, but signed a free agent contract with the Aces prior to the 2012-13 PBA Season..
