Thundering on: The Flying V Davao City Thunders are looking to compete

This appears in the Tuesday, July 12, 2016 edition of the Business Mirror.

Thundering on: The Flying V Davao City Thunders are looking to compete

by rick olivares

In the wake of the news that television giant ABS-CBN pulled out of its coverage of the new Country-Wide Basketball League, leaving the league in a quandary as it is set to tip-off in a month’s time, the Flying V Davao City Thunders, one of the “league’s” pioneering clubs met this Monday morning, July 11, to map out its future.

"The club for now,” according to team manager Joey Guillermo, "isn’t disbanding just yet. Team ownership is contemplating the possibility of continuing the team and playing in another league should the CWBL not push through. Should nothing happen over the next few weeks, the players will still be compensated for their services."

Thunders point guard Froilan Baguion expressed satisfaction at the efforts by team management to keep the team and to help the players. “Very professional sila,” said the veteran playmaker who after a sterling career with National University in the UAAP made an even bigger name for himself playing in the Asean Basketball League where he was a Most Valuable Player awardee. “Kung matutuloy lahat to, isusukli namin sila ng magandang laro at sana championship."

According to the some insiders of the CWBL, the league is looking at the possibility of continuing the league with or without another television carrier. While that is still up in the air, team management of the Thunders team is seeking other competitions local or regional.

Thus far, the Flying V team has in its lineup Eric Salamat, Luis Sinco, Samuel Marata, Mikey Cabahug, Gwyne Capacio, Junjun Cabatu, Brian Ilad, Mark Andaya, Leo Avenido, Richard Albo, JR Ongteco, Carlo Sharma, and Baguion to name a few.

Thunders head coach Aric Del Rosario (who is assisted by son, Lester, Chris Bautista, Bert Dela Rosa, and Bennett Palad) was likewise happy with the developments. “Good concept yung regional basketball,” said the multi-titled coach who made a name for himself for leading the University of Santo Tomas and the Pampanga Dragons to a bunch of championships. “Sana magustuhan ng management yung mga plano natin kung saan tayo puwede sumali."

“We will find out in the next few days what’s going to happen,” concluded Guillermo. “The excitement remains."

Aric Del Rosario addresses the Flying V Davao City Thunders during a team meeting this Monday, July 11.