ASEAN Basketball League welcomes Racal Motors

In the past couple of days, the ASEAN Basketball League announced the return of the Philippines into its fold.

After the revelation of the PACMAN-Mindanao Aguilas as the first Pinoy squad in the regional league, the Racal Group of Companies announced on Wednesday that they will be the second Filipino team that will take part in the 8-team ABL.

The conglomerate has been one of the most active participants in local basketball scene, with teams in the PBA D-League (Keramix Mixers) and the FilSports Basketball Association (Racal Motors). They also made some headlines by recently reaffirming their intention to join the PBA as an expansion franchise. For the ABL, the team will take the name Racal Motors Alibaba.com.

According to its chairman, Jonito C. Racal, participating in the ASEAN Basketball League is an "avenue to further enhance and broaden their market reach in the region."

PACMAN Mindanao Aguilas now part of ASEAN Basketball League

Manny Pacquiao and the PACMAN Mindanao Aguilas staff.

Manny Pacquiao gets to wear another hat.

The Sarangani representative has been named as a supporter for one of the newest teams in the upcoming season of the ASEAN Basketball League, the PACMAN Mindanao Aguilas.

A couple of Zamboanga-based businessmen in Mark Chiong and Rolando Navarro, Jr. are backing the formation of the squad, with the blessings of Lantaka Hotel GM Monsi dela Cruz, and various Mindanao-based government officials aside from Pacquiao.

Aguilas General Manager Sergei Bien Orillo says that the team wants to showcase the region and its best basketball talents from Mindanao, while at the same be able to compete in leagues like the ABL. He adds that the Aguilas' participation is a reflection of the region's unity and peace involving those of the Christian and Islamic faith.

According to head coach Nino Rejhi Natividad, Pacquiao gave the team a simple mandate: to field the best team possible while at the same time develop the sport further in Mindanao. He adds that Manny wants the Aguilas "not only just participate, but also excel, compete against the best that the region has to offer, and contend for the championship.

The ABL is set to kick off in October 2015 with eight teams from six countries on board. More details for the upcoming season to follow in the coming weeks.

Paul George to inaugurate the House of Rise

Indiana Pacers sensation Paul George will be in Manila on Monday to serve as a guest coach for the Rise documentary.

The House of Rise is set to be inaugurated on that day, with George serving as the guest of honor. He is currently in China for Nike-related matters, but he is expected to share his personal Rise moments, as well as encouraging young players to rise about life’s challenges to realize their true basketball potential.

Rise is a documentary by Nike Philippines seeking the best street ballers from across the country. It will be shown on TV5 starting August 2, with Chot Reyes and Jimmy Alapag serving as coach to better harness their skills / talents.

Philippines vs Uzbekistan World Cup Qualifier announcement

Next WCQ/ACQ match

The Philippine Football Federation has released details on the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifier / AFC Asian Cup Qualifier match involving the Philippines and Uzbekistan.

The Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan will host the dual qualifier on September 8, with kickoff slated at 8pm.

Football enthusiasts will be able to purchase tickets to this match via Ticketworld, with prices ranging from PhP 125.40 to PhP 331.40 and PhP 531.80. Use the guide below for seating.

PSS seating plan

Said announcement did not say if there will be available shuttle services like what was conducted during the qualifier against Bahrain.