THE Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards have tapped former pro Roi Sumang to join an already stacked roster headed by former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) stars Marc Pingris and PJ Simon in the Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) set Dec. 11-23 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
The 30-year-old Mr. Sumang last played for Blackwater in the Clark and Angeles bubble last year but was left without a squad since then that paved the way for the Mr. Giancarlo-tan coached Nueva Ecija to acquire him.
Messrs. Pingris and Simon have both come out of retirement to suit up for the Rice Vanguards.
Mr. Sumang will join a squad that also features former collegiate standouts Diego Dario, Will Gozum, Justin Gutang, Kendrix Belgica and Michael Mabulac among others.
Thanks to its recruiting coup, Nueva Ecija emerged as one of the early favorites to win the 13-day event that drew participation from 22 teams. — Joey Villar