MANILA – Antiqueño center Tzaddy Rangel is set to bolster the frontline of the Iloilo United Royals ahead of the start of the 2024 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League season on March 16.
The 6-foot-7 Rangel was picked up by the United Royals after not being signed to a contract extension by the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters at the end of the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Rangel is a former role player for the National University Bulldogs in the UAAP and also played for San Miguel-Alab Pilipinas in the defunct ASEAN Basketball League and was a former member of Gilas Pilipinas pool.
“Tzaddy is a great boost to our frontline with his size,” said United Royals CEO JJ Javelosa. “We really waited for his availability, when his contract was not renewed by Phoenix.”
Aside from Rangel, the United Royals also picked up former Ateneo Blue Eagles forward Gwynne Capacio and former Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers gunner Ry De La Rosa.
The United Royals has previously signed up Ilonggos Young JV Kapunan and Aaron Jeruta, CJ Cansino, Negrense Mark Nonoy, Jason Credo, RV Berjay, Prince Etrata, and Jed Diaz.
The squad also retained the services of playing team manager Jay Javelosa, Ilonggo Omar Larupay, Jeffrey Ryan Ongteco, Shaquille Imperial, AJ Madrigal and Conrad Catapusan.
“Every season nga nag intra ang Iloilo (sa MPBL), sulod kita sa quarterfinals. Amon plano nga mas layo ang abtan sang aton team sa coming MPBL season,” JJ Javelosa said.
“Mga players gin recruit namon sa team, like si Jason, RV, CJ and Mark. Kabalo mag-champion kag ano feeling sang champion since they have already won it in the UAAP,” he added.
The United Royals just reached the Southern Division quarterfinals during the 2023 MPBL season after they lost to the Bacoor City Strikers in three matches./PN
