Selecting a proven winner like Allen Mina may be a good way to build around a franchise — and that’s what newest MPBL team Ilagan Isabela Cowboys are doing.
The dead shot guard was acquired by the league’s expansion squad from Philippine Basketball Association team Terrafirma, which released the former Letran Knight, and the Cowboys immediately jumped on the opportunity of securing his services.
“Isa yan sa mga suwerteng pick namin,” said veteran bench tactician Louie Gonzalez after the Cowboys were able to grab the free agent Mina.
Mina is a local talent from Isabela, being born a few kilometers away from Ilagan, and the team’s franchise player is excited to lead the Cowboys from this corn capital of the Philippines in making a good impression just in their first season in the country’s nationwide basketball event.
“Him, representing his province, bringing in not just his PBA experience, but also his collegiate winning pedigree, will definitely provide us somebody who knows how to win,” added Gonzalez. “As a coach, it’s always a luxury to have an ace player, somebody who has a winning mentality.”
Gonzalez, also the president of the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines, is no stranger in the local caging circuit.
He was a former coach of the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers, but has also served in different capacities, including being one of the assistant coaches of Manny Pacquiao, who was the founding playing coach of the Kia Carnival in the PBA. Gonzalez’s main thrust is to create heroes out of his players, most notably the local talents.
“We wanted to be efficient. Since we don’t have the luxury of time, we want to be clever in our preparation,” added Gonzalez. “But I think we were able to pick up the right ones for the team, not the best ones, but the right ones. The right one that fits to our system, the way they represent our team, which is the City of Ilagan.”
For Mina, it’s a great opportunity to represent his hometown province.
“Dito ako pinanganak, malapit lang sa Ilagan,” said Mina. “Buong career ko, ngayon ko lang mari-represent yung province ko kaya sobrang excited akong makapaglaro sa team na ito.”
The Cowboys are being ran by the prestigious Diaz family of Ilagan City.
Jeao (Jose Avelino Diaz) is the team owner while Councilor Jay Eveson “Jayve” Diaz and their other brother, city board member Evyn Jay “Ejay” Diaz are also closely working on the management of the squad.
Of course, the patriarch, Mayor Josemarie Diaz, also plays a big role as the team’s staunchest backer.
“Knowing Coach Louie, who is an analyst, I’m sure napag-aralan niya na yung tamang composition ng team,” added Mayor Diaz. “He knows the players who can establish good chemistry.”
