PBA legend Gerry Esplana was named commissioner of the Pinoyliga Cup in time for the start of the league’s Alumni Cup on Saturday at the Enderun Colleges Gym in Taguig.
Esplana brings with him valuable experience in basketball highlighted by his 13 years of playing in the PBA where he won three championships with Presto and Formula Shell.
The 59-year-old Esplana, who is also sports director of the Wellness Sports Entertainment Arena in Valenzuela, previously served as commissioner of the Pilipinas Super League.
He said he’s looking forward to his new role.
“I’m honored to serve as commissioner of a league where former professionals and collegiate athletes return to inspire and continue building a legacy,” said Esplana, who pursued a coaching career after his playing days, and called the shots for teams such as Emilio Aguinaldo College, Valenzuela Classics, and Universiy of Santo Tomas as deputy coach.
Pinoyliga Alumni Cup gets underway
Meanwhile, defending champion Letran Knights-Perea Moto District start their title-retention bid when they face the University of the East Red Warriors at 5 p.m.
Other participating teams in the Alumni Cup are the San Beda Red Lions, Mapua Cardinals-Tela Athletics, Adamson Soaring Falcons-Shawarma Shack, La Salle Green Archers-Maharlika, UST Growling Tigers, and Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Pinoyliga Cup director Benny Benitez said the organization is thrilled to have Esplana as commissioner.
“Pinoyliga Alumni Cup welcomes ‘comm’ Gerry Esplana as our Alumni Cup commissioner. With his vast playing and coaching experience, he commands the respect of former players, some of then nakasama nya pa in his long, storied PBA career,” said Benitez.
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