Esplana appointed Pinoyliga Cup commissioner

Newly appointed Pinoyliga Cup commissioner Gerry Esplana (left) and Pinoyliga Cup director Benny Benitez.

Pinoyliga

Game Saturday

(Enderun Colleges, Taguig City)

5 p.m. – Knights-Perea Moto District vs Red Warriors

MANILA, Philippines — PBA legend Gerry Esplana has been named commissioner of the Pinoyliga Cup, providing prestige and credibility because of his experience not only with his successful professional career but also with his past coaching stints.

Known by his moniker “Mr. Cool” in the PBA due to his calm demeanor, the three-time champion will start working as Pinoyliga Cup head with the return of the Alumni Cup, which will start Saturday, November 29, at the Enderun Colleges Gym in Taguig City.

Considered as one of the best point guards in the PBA, the 59-year-old Esplana is well respected in the local basketball community after playing 13 seasons as a pro with stints with Presto Tivoli, Sta. Lucia Realty and Shell.

It was with Presto where he won Rookie of the Year honors in 1990 — playing a key role alongside PBA greats Allan Caidic, Abe King, Manny Victorino and the late Arnie Tuadles — after he was selected ninth overall during that year’s draft.

In 1999 with Shell, Esplana helped the team win the 1998 Governors’ Cup and 1999 All-Filipino (now Philippine Cup) conference where he was named Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP).

As a coach, Esplana was the head mentor of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals in the NCAAk from 2011-2014. He was also part of the UST coaching staff from 2016-2017.

His last coaching stint was in 2019 as a member of the coaching staff of the Valenzuela Classics in the MPBL.

Esplana said he is looking forward to his new role.

“I’m honored to serve as commissioner of a league built by legends; for legend, where former professionals and collegiate athletes return to inspire and continue building a legacy,” said Esplana.

For his part, Pinoyliga Cup director Benny Benitez said they are 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 them nakasama nya pa in his long, storied PBA career,” said Benitez.

Defending champion Knights-Perea Moto District will start their title-retention bid when they face the Red Warriors at 5 p.m.

Other participating teams in the Alumni Cup are the Red Lions, Cardinals-Tela Athletics, Soaring Falcons-Shawarma Shack, Green Archers-Maharlika, Growling Tigers and Blue Eagles. (Pool story)