Three-time PBA champion Marlou Aquino excited to go back to competitive basketball

EIGHT years removed from playing in the PBA, Marlou Aquino made his return to competitive basketball as he suited up for the Bulacan Kuyas-Ligo Sardines in the MPBL Anta-Rajah Cup.

The Skyscraper played limited minutes and contributed four points and a block, but his presence was enough to boost the rest of the Kuyas in entering the win column to join early winners Parañaque Patriots-Yakimix, Batangas City Athletics-Tanduay, Navotas Clutch, and Quezon City Capitals-Royal Manila.

Already 45, the 6- foot- 9 slotman decided to come out of retirement and represent the town close to his heart.

“I lived in Bocaue for several years,” said Mr. Aquino. “I stayed there for four years. I was able to live nearby Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s residence. I was able to play in several inter-town and inter-barangay tournaments there.”

For Mr. Aquino, the itch to play is still there that even after retiring in the PBA, he was still able to join several small time leagues when given the opportunity.

“My body is missing the action in basketball. I’m intrigued with this new league, so I decided to suit up,” said Mr. Aquino, a three- time PBA champion and former Rookie of the Year who played for Ginebra, Sta. Lucia and Barako Bull.

Mr. Aquino is some of the big names seeing action in the MPBL, a brainchild of Senator Manny Pacquiao.

Former PBA scoring champion Gary David is playing for the Bataan Defenders-Bai Shipping, exMahindra/ Kia coach Chris Gavina is handling the Valenzuela Classic, while multititled collegiate mentor Aric del Rosario is coaching the Patriots.

Mr. Aquino sees the MPBL as a good venue for aspiring big-time players and a sanctuary for ex- pro like him to continue pursuing the game he loves.

“It’s a very competitive league,” Mr. Aquino told BusinessWorld in an interview. “As long as Bulacan needs me, I will continue playing. There are a lot of faster players, so I’m trying to catch up. The good thing is, I’m getting my condition slowly but surely.” —

VETERAN center Marlou Aquino (left) is shown in photo with teammate Wowie Escosio of the Bulacan Kuyas-Ligo Sardines prior to their game against the Imus Bandera-GLC Truck and Equipment.