A return might be on the horizon for Dondon Hontiveros via the Cebu Greats in the MPBL.
Head coach Junthy Valenzuela Admittedly, management is currently discussing with Hontiveros about a possible return, following initial plans that had him included as part of the coaching team.
Valenzuela stated that the 48-year-old Hontiveros was present at the Cebu practice session on Wednesday, though not in his capacity as a player.
Lately, Cebu has experienced a revival in the MPBL scene.
PHOTO: MPBL
Cebu has made a strong comeback recently in the MPBL.
PHOTO: MPBL
There’s been a renewed presence of Cebu in the MPBL as of late.
PHOTO: MPBL
In recent times, Cebu has bounced back strongly within the MPBL.
PHOTO: MPBl
A resurgence from Cebu can be observed lately in the MPBL league.
PHOTO: MPBL
"Sabi nga ni Boss John (Santos, team manager), si Dondon ang maging assistant coach," ani Valenzuela nitong Miyerkules sa Axios habang nasa bahagi ng madla siya sa Game 4 ng PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup na nagtatagpo sina Rain or Shine at TNT sa SM Mall of Asia Arena.
"Sinabi ko nga, si Dondon ay pwedeng maging parte din ng ating koponan kasi fit naman sya sa kasalukuyang kalagayan dahil lagi syang naglalaro." Dagdag niya "sinabihan ko rin ang Dondon na bukas parin para sayo yan".
May kondisyon siya pero buhay pa rin ang pagkukunwari noon. Sinabi niya, baka pwedeng maging parte ng aming koponan iyan. Kung sasang-ayon si Hontiveros sa usapan nila, puwedeng-puwede. Talagang tutulong si Dondon — isa talagang malaking tulong," dugtong niya.
"Gusto naming kausapin siya at tunay nga namang gustong-gusto din naming mapabilang siya sa laro.
READ: Junthy and Quinahan respond to the challenge of reclaiming honor for the Cebu squad
Hontiveros spent 17 years in the PBA, representing teams such as Tanduay, San Miguel, Air21, Petron, and Alaska. His final season was in 2018 when he played for San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League.
Before joining the PBA, Hontiveros gained widespread recognition through his time in the Metropolitan Basketball Association as part of the Cebu Gems squad.
He served as a city councilor in Cebu City since 2021, but most recently failed in his attempt to become Vice Mayor this past May.
Hontiveros was likewise among those present at the Mall of Asia Arena during the PBA matches.
Valenzuela stated that Hontiveros' position as a player remains unclear, as it will be determined by how well the team's guards perform.
“Kanina pa lang ay papasok na siya bilang miembro ng coaching staff. Siguro sa darating na panahon, magsisimula na ring makipag-ensayo iyon. Kasalukuyan kaming siksik sa posisyong guard. Kung sakaling hindi maka-produce ang aming mga guard, baka pinapakawalan naming pumasok siya,” sabi ni Valenzuela, habang kasama sina dating Red Bull teammatenya na si Celino Cruz upang manood ng laban ng PBA between Rain or Shine at kanilang dati nang head coach na si Yeng Guiao.