Multiple PBA champion Nic Belasco, who retired playing pro basketball 5 years ago, was part of the opening-day roster of the Pasig club seeing action in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (PBA) Lakan Cup on Wednesday.

The ex-San Miguel Beer forward was declared eligible to play by the office of the MPBL commissioner under the "Fil-American" category for the Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors (formerly known as the Pasig Pirates).

Belasco is an 8-time PBA champion who played for San Miguel, Sunkist and Alaska, among others.

“I’ve always wanted to play,” Belasco said after his height was measured by league staff. “And they needed a big man with experience so I decided to join the team.”

After his playing days with the PBA, Belasco worked as a deputy coach for the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

Belasco said he wants to bring leadership and experience to Pasig, which recently underwent a change in management with the entry of Sta. Lucia as its backer.

“I’ve always wanted to share my experience and teach the young guys,” said the PBA vet.

Belasco joins the long list of former PBA players who found a career in the MPBL, including Marlou Aquino, Mac Mac Cardona, Gary David, Jondan Salvador and Jayjay Helterbrand.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.