Davao Eagles

The Davao Eagles were a professional basketball team of the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association from 1998 to 2002. The team was owned by Anthony del Rosario. The ballclub choose to be named 'Eagles' because the city is the home of the Philippine Eagle.^[1]

First season

The Eagles were handled by former national team coach Francis Rodriguez. The players includes Rodriguez' former wards at San Sebastian College during the 1980s; Eugene Quilban, Allan Garrido, Melchor Teves and Armoni Llagas. Two players, Rafael Santos and Jomar Tierra, were with Rodriguez' UE Warriors, while Lou Regidor and Aldrin Barola were under Rodriguez at Oriental Battery in the Philippine Basketball League.^[1]

Next two seasons (1999-2000)

In 1999, during the pre-season, the Eagles no longer had Eugene Quilban in the lineup as he had joined Sta. Lucia Realtors in the PBA. Filling in his shoes was one-time PBL's Most Valuable Player Bong Marata.^[1]

Final two years (2001-2002)

On October 1, 2001, the team entered a partnership with The Professionals Group (TPG). The deal is similar to other mergers of MBA teams and their corporate sponsors. Under coach Jun Noel, Davao ended up with 3 wins and 11 losses in the 2001 MBA first phase conference.^[1]