MANILA – The Bacolod City Tubo Slashers may have endured a rough maiden campaign in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), but their grassroots vision bore fruit as one of their homegrown players, Aldave Canoy, was drafted into the PBA — a breakthrough head coach Pao Javelona described as a victory for Bacolod basketball.
“As a Bacolodnon the vision from the start was simple, to give homegrown players from Bacolod City a shot at playing in the MPBL, and hopefully, help them reach their ultimate dream of making it to the PBA,” Javelona said.
The Tubo Slashers, which replaced the Bacolod City of Smiles franchise, leaned heavily on local talents against veteran-laden squads, often showing flashes of competitiveness before fading late in games. Despite the struggles, Javelona said the experience was part of a long-term plan.
One of the season’s highlights was seeing five Slashers enter the recent PBA Draft, with Canoy making the cut.
“Out of the five who joined the PBA Draft, one was selected, and that alone is already a huge win,” Javelona stressed. “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of individuals who share the same vision as we do.”
Javelona also expressed gratitude to supporters behind the team’s campaign.
“To Destine Javelona and Erik Dy for sticking with the team through the wins and even the losses, I’m truly grateful for all the help you’ve given the players,” he said.
Among those who carried the load for Bacolod during the season were John Lemuel Pastias, Jan Gabriel Sobrenega, and Canoy, who provided steady contributions despite the team’s place in the standings.
Javelona remains optimistic about the future: “Our season may have ended, but hoping this is just the beginning of something bigger for our players and for Bacolod City. With the lessons learned this season, we’ll continue to work harder and build better for the future.”/PN
