DONDON Hontiveros vouched for the integrity of the ARQ-Lapu Lapu City team even as he expressed hope that the controversy that shrouded the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup won't affect its goal of giving exposure to talents in the region.
The former PBA star turned Cebu City councilor said he knows the management of the ARQ Builders-backed squad is all about winning, a belief untainted by the controversial match against the Siquijor Mystics in the VisMin Super Cup.
The concurrent Phoenix Super LPG assistant coach also said he had battles with the ballclub during the course of his playing career, saying he has seen the team win several championships in different leagues in the region.
“Nakita nyo kung gaano sila kapursigidong manalo,” said Hontiveros in Cebuano on Friday in a Facebook Live broadcast on his official page.
Hontiveros was one of the persons who helped launch the tournament after speaking with national and local government officials. He begged off from assuming a position in the league such as commissioner because of his duties as a Cebu City councilor and with Phoenix Super LPG in the PBA.
Still, Hontiveros, 43, said he supports the league and its vision of developing talents in the Visayas and Mindanao.
“It’s just unfair na merong isang team na nagsira. Hindi ganyan yung na-envision namin. I just hope that the future of this league as well as the promising players, hindi maapektuhan," the 17-year PBA veteran said.
Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup officials slapped a lifetime ban on members of the Siquijor Mystics for their conduct during the match against the Heroes that was marred by ugly misses and sloppy play.
Hontiveros hopes there would be no repeat of such incidents at a time when the VisMin Cup is the only basketball league being held in the country.
“I hope this would serve as a lesson for them and warning na wag nila sayangin ang opportunity,” said Hontiveros.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
