MANILA HONORS MBA HOME TEAM
Manila, Oct. 26, 1998 - Although the Manila Metrostars did not land in the national finals of the Metropolitan Basketball Association's national championship derby, the team nevertheless cops a grand prize when it gets officially honored by the City of Manila.
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza will meet with the team on behalf of the people of Manila "to express the city's deepest gratitude to the Metrostars for serving as an inspiration to the youth."
The Metrostars, hounded by injuries, reached the Northern Conference finals but lost to the Pampanga Dragons.
Metrostars president Ramon Tuason said he will take the opportunity to ask the city government for assistance in looking for a permanent homecourt for the team.
Team owner Louie Chuidian said Metrostars officials will ask Atienza for the possible use of the San Andres Gym as the team's homecourt. The San Andres public gym is ideal, he said, because its accessibility to Manila fans could solve the team's home crowd problems.
The Metrostars have been forced to use both the Ateneo Gym in Loyola and the Rizal Coliseum for their home games this year. Lack of a homecourt contributed a lot to the team's corresponding lack of a home crowd base, which really helps boost players' morale, officials said.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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