MANILA, Philippines - Liga Pilipinas welcomes a new franchise in Pampanga, a returning squad in Ilocos Sur, and a roster of mostly retooled teams when it starts its Conference 5 tomorrow at the Sto. Domingo Gymnasium in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur.

Pampanga came in as the seventh member of the country’s premier regional basketball tournament, parading a team that will be mentored by Allan Trinidad. The Ilocos CS Tigers of Gov. Chavit Singson will make a comeback under coach John Cardel with players led by Warren Ybanez, Chito Jaime and Marlon Basco.

The two will vie for Liga glory against holdovers from the previous conference led by defending champion M. Lhuillier-Cebu Niños, Misamis Oriental Meteors of Gov. Oscar Moreno, MP-General Santos Warriors of Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Mandaue-Cebu Landmasters, and Laguna Lions of Gov. E.R. Ejercito.

Under new management, Laguna has beefed up its roster, recruiting 39-year-old behemoth EJ Feihl and ex-pro Gherome Ejercito and 6-5 Fil-Am Anthony Athie along with Robert Sanz and Marlon Legaspi to join the core of the old Laguna Stallions team.

“Liga Pilipinas is here in line with the commitment of the team owners to the development of regional basketball,” said Pinoy Basketbol Management, Inc. president Noli Eala during yesterday’s press launch at the Dragongate Restaurant.

Liga’s fifth season will blast off with the Ilocos leg from April 27-30, with the Cebu Niños taking on the the Laguna Lions in the opener. MP-GenSan Warriors and host Ilocos Tigers will take the floor in the second of two matches set for Day 1.

Coaches and team officials present during the launch agreed it will be a tight battle for the crown.

“I think it’s anybody’s game,” said Moreno, whose Jun Noel-mentored MisOr squad finished runner-up the last time around.

Olmin Leyba, Philippine Star