A brainchild of Manny V. Pangilinan, chairman of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., (MPTC), the new team promises to show the stuff that makes a champion.

Ramoncito S. Fernandez, president and CEO of MPTC, said “the creation of the NLEX Road Warriors team augurs well for sports development in the country.”

“Our involvement in sports, specifically basketball, reflects the dynamism and vibrancy of MPTC in developing the major road networks of the country,” Fernandez said.

The Road Warriors will join the newly-formed Philippine Basketball Development League (D-League) created by the Philippine Basketball Association for the opening ceremonies on March 12 at The Arena in San Juan.

Rodrigo E. Franco, president and CEO of the Manila North Tollways Corporation, builder and concessionaire of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), said the monicker Road Warriors, aptly represents the world-class NLEX.

“MNTC is proud to be part of MPTC in bringing the public the best it could – whether in tollways or in sports,”he said.

Christopher Lizo, MPTC chief finance officer and team representative, calls the creation of this new team ‘a strong statement that our company will always take the extra mile in whatever we do, and whatever endeavor we engage in.”

The Road Warriors consist of college students, aged 17 to 26, some of them of Filipino-American descent enrolled in the various local colleges and universities.

The Road Warriors will be handled by Teodorico “Boyet” Fernandez III as head coach, assisted by Adonis Tierra, Gino Manuel, and Raymund Celis.

Raul L. Ignacio, vice-president for operations and maintenance assurance services (OMAS)of the Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) has been designated as team manager, with Ronald T. Dulatre as his deputy.

George Yonore is team trainor, while Jun Cruz takes charge of statistics.

Veteran varsity campaigner Erik Salamat of the multi-storied Ateneo de Manila team is a potential candidate for team captain.