Manila, Wednesday, July 6, 2011 — The San Miguel Beermen are set to join the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) for the third season scheduled to start on January 14th, 2011.

The team will field a collection of young collegians, ex- and current players of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The Beermen are the seventh and second Filipino team to join the league. The Philippine Patriots, the first Filipino team, won the inaugural ABL championship in 2010.

Mr. Ramon Ang, President and CEO of San Miguel commented: “We are honoured to be apart of the ABL as it is fastest growing league in SEA today. Our aim is to strengthen the brand in the region and we are mindful that we are representing the nation in this league. I would like to thank ABL for welcoming us as this gives us opportunities to reach out to customers and fans throughout the SEA.”

The other teams in the league are 2011 champions, Thailand Slammers, Satria Muda, Singapore Slingers, Brunei Barracudas and the KL Dragons.

Mario Wuysang, point guard of Satria Muda, added: “It is great that San Miguel is joining the ABL. To have a PBA team joining is exciting for us as players and I believe, for the fans in the region as well. I also believe it will take the competitive level up another notch. So I’m personally excited and eager to take on the challenge.”

The general manager of the Singapore Slingers, Michael Johnson, said: “The announcement that a team with the power and quality of the San Miguel brand is joining the ABL in 2012 is a great step forward for the league. I also believe it is a great step for San Miguel who will be able to showcase their team’s talent and brand throughout SE Asia in a week to week regional league.”

Bobby Park, a legend in the Philippine basketball scene, will lead the San Miguel Beermen Philippines team.

The third season of the ABL will start in January 2012 and end in June 2012.