It will be a stronger Negros Muscovados in the ongoing 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season.
This, after the team made some roster changes following a sluggish performance in the previous matches.
For the team to move forward, they tapped veteran mentor Bonnie Garcia as the squad’s new head coach, replacing Gherome Aledron. The move is to strengthen the team who suffered from a 1-3 win-loss card.
In a statement release by Negros Muscovados, it was stated that the coaching change is needed by Muscovados to move forward in the MPBL tournament. “We look forward to having a winning campaign under coach Bonnie.”
Tracing his record, Garcia had a rich head coaching experience as he previously handled the defunct FedEx Express in the PBA in 2003 while serving as mentor for Pampanga Dragons (1998) and Laguna Lakers (2001) in MBA.
He also served as assistant coach for Mapua University Cardinals (under Atoy Co) and San Beda Red Lions (under Frankie Lim) in NCAA and University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in UAAP.
Garcia was also the head coach of the Sta. Lucia basketball team in the PCBL in 2015, he also steered Colegio de San Lorenzo Griffins to UCBL and NCR-UCLAA championships in 2017 and also handled UST Tiger Cubs in UAAP Juniors tournament.
As a collegiate player, Garcia was the team captain of the three-time Metro Manila Universities Athletic Association (MMUCAA) champions squad FEATI University Hi-Flyers.
Aside from a new head coach, the Muscovados also adjusted their roster with the addition of homegrown players Emarken Panisales from Bacolod City and Bago City-native Chris Flores, who is also playing for College of St. Benilde Blazers in NCAA.
Robin Roño, Rey De Mesa and Bernie Bregondo also reinforced the team. As they return action, the Muscovados will be tested on April 13 against Pampanga Giant Lanterns at the Bren Z. Guiao Gymnasium in Pampanga.IMT Sports
