Daily Tribune (Philippines)

Junior MPBL draws huge field

- IVAN SUING

The success of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) had spilled over to the lower age bracket as the league unveils its Junior D-League late Tuesday at the Winford Hotel and Casino.

No less than MPBL founder Manny Pacquiao led the press launch of the developmen­tal league that will serve as an avenue for young players to gain the attention of collegiate coaches, especially those in the University Athletic Associatio­n of the Philippine­s and National Collegiate Athletic Associatio­n.

‘This league fosters the developmen­t of young athletes and provides them with a crucial opportunit­y to showcase their talents and abilities.’

The league’s inaugural season is set to open in the second week of July with 16 teams already confirmed to see action.

“This league fosters the developmen­t of young athletes and provides them with a crucial opportunit­y to showcase their talents and abilities. Through the Junior MPBL, they can secure spots in college varsity teams or in the MPBL,” said Pacquiao, an eight-division boxing champion and a diehard basketball fan.

“We included the 21-and-under so that they can join the MBPL itself.”

Tipped to see action are Biñan Tatak Gel, Caloocan, JY Batang Kankaloo, ICC Blue Hawks, Mandaluyon­g Junior Microsmith, Manila Health Forum, Marikina Junior Shoemaster­s, Meycauayan Bamboo Archers, Novaliches Play Makers, Pasig Servants, Quezon City 828 Jr. Giants, Quezon Huskers, Palawan Yurich Builders, San Pedro City Mamba, Zamboanga Sikat, Batang San Juan Knights and Valenzuela Jr. Classic, will play in the inaugural season with two more teams set to join.

The format in the Junior MPBL D-League will be the same in the younger divisions, where teams will be sorted into North and South Divisions with the top eight of each side advancing to the playoffs, which will be a best-of-three format.

Junior MPBL D-League commission­er Keith Picazo said more teams are expected to join in the coming days.

“This happened last season in the younger divisions. Davao was able to join because of the kindness of our senator,” Picazo said.

?? PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MP BOXING GYM-DAVAO ?? VINCENT Astrolabio (middle) strikes a pose with sparmates Shumpei Kaneshiro (left) and Lienard Sarcon while chief trainer Nonoy Neri looks on during a break in training camp in Davao City.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MP BOXING GYM-DAVAO VINCENT Astrolabio (middle) strikes a pose with sparmates Shumpei Kaneshiro (left) and Lienard Sarcon while chief trainer Nonoy Neri looks on during a break in training camp in Davao City.

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