How The Ilagan City Cowboys are Coming A New Force in MPBL

How The Ilagan City Cowboys are Coming A New Force in MPBL

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is adding a new team to its roster, with Ilagan City set to become the newest expansion club. Known as the Cowboys from the Corn Capital of the Philippines, the team is owned by the prominent Diaz family of Isabela province.

A Family Affair

Ilagan City Mayor Josemarie Diaz will be the team owner, but his sons - councilor Jay Eveson Jayve Diaz, Jose Avelino Jeao Diaz, and board member Evyn Jay Ejay Diaz - will play a more active role in the day-to-day operations of the team. The family worked together to acquire key players for the squad, starting with coach Louie Gonzalez.

Gonzalez's Experience

Gonzalez is well-versed in the local basketball scene, having headed the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines and previously coached the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers. In the professional setting, he served as one of the deputy coaches for Manny Pacquiao when the latter was still playing coach for the Kia Carnival team in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Building a Strong Squad

With Gonzalez at the helm, the team has identified key players to build its young franchise around. One such player is Allen Mina, who grew up just a few kilometers away from Ilagan City and was recently released by the Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA. The Diaz family was quick to sign him up, beating other teams to the draw.

More Talent Acquired

The Cowboys have also acquired Val Acuña, a multi-titled champion who played for San Mig Coffee Mixers in the PBA and Batangas City Tanduay Athletics, the inaugural MPBL champion. Additionally, Gonzalez has brought on board young players like Sean Quitevis from Ateneo, Andre Duremdes, and Mark Dyke.

Excitement Builds

Gonzalez is confident that his team will make a strong impression, and the Cowboys are determined to start their journey with a bang. The Diaz family is also excited to host the opening of the league's new season at the newly-established 10,000-seater City of Ilagan's Capital Arena.

The Future is Bright

I think right on opening day, our team will make a strong impression, said Mayor Diaz. We're working hard to prepare for the competition, and we want everyone - participating teams and fans alike - to experience an in-game atmosphere like no other. Councilor Jayve Diaz, who first proposed joining the league six years ago, is thrilled to be turning his dream into reality.

Conclusion

The Ilagan City Cowboys are ready to make their mark on the MPBL. With a strong squad, experienced coach, and the backing of the Diaz family, this new team is set to shake things up in 2025.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.