TIAONG, Quezon – Encho Serrano made a short pitstop in Quezon before joining Pampanga.

The former Phoenix guard bannered the Siomai King team which opened its D2 Super Cup campaign with a rousing 119-76 triumph over Antipolo at the newly built Tiaong Convention Center on Friday, June 2 here.

Serrano, who reportedly turned down a two-year extension with the Fuel Masters to take his talents elsewhere, is expected to lead the team that also featured former pro players Leo Najorda and Paolo Hubalde during the week-long tournament.

The short stint, however, is not seen to complicate things for Serrano as he  is also reportedly set to suit up for Pampanga in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). 

The six-foot high flying guard has yet to sign with the Giant Lanterns although his tour of duty with Siomai King was given the blessing by Pampanga governor and head coach Dennis “Delta” Pineda, according Philippine Super League officials.

In what would be a fitting warm up before making his return to the MPBL, the 2022 PBA rookie draft 19th overall pick did stamp his class in his first game with Siomai King finishing with 19 points, three rebounds and three steals in just 15 minutes on the floor.

Meanwhile, in the second game, John Kobe Dalisay starred for Tiaong leading his team to a 70-58 win over Gumaca Kuyas after scattering 17 points, three rebounds and two steals.