The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards are bent on retaining their championship crown as they strengthened their squad with the addition of prolific guard Roi Sumang who also previously played with the team in the 2021 Invitational Tournament. The Vanguards also bolstered its interior length with the addition of Kemark Carino.
Orin Catacutan and Sherwin Concepcion are proven scorers and they will surely provide offensive firepower to the team. Sherwin Concepcion last played with the Oriental Mindoro Disiplinados before transferring to the Rice Vanguards midway through the season.
The Rice Vanguards currently own a record of 11 wins and 1 loss after suffering a heartbreaking defeat against the Sarangani Marlins in their last game. With a loss, the Rice Vanguards fell to second place in the North Division behind the surging Pampanga Giant Lanterns who are still undefeated.
The four (4) new members of the Rice Vanguards will join a stacked roster which is arguably a super team by MPBL standards. To recall, while the team lost its floor general Hesed Gabo to the PBA, the team's core remained intact with Michael Juico, Will Mcaloney, Jay Collado, Michael Mabulac, Chris Bitoon, Renz Palma, Byron Villarias and Philip Manalang leading the charge.
Also with the team are young guns Harvey Pagsanjan, Joshua Fontanilla and Rich Guinitaran. Nonetheless, the team also lost Vince Tolentino who recently joined the Iloilo United Royals.