The Alphas of the MPBL (League Leaders In Statistical Categories)

The Datu Cup or the second season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL)  had a remarkable run  and is now considered the fastest growing regional league in the country today.  From only 10 teams in its inaugural season,  16 teams joined the fray this season in a quest to hoist the Datu Cup.

With a maximum of 20 players per team,  there are more than 500 players who were given the chance to showcase their talent in national TV. Given such magnitude of talents which include former PBA players,  a player certainly needs talent and hard work to stand out from the rest.

In the scoring front,  Michael Juico posted the highest average points per game at 19.95. He is closely followed by former Green Archer Almond Vosotros at 19 ppg and Gab Banal who registered 18.22 ppg.

MPBL 2019 Off-season Player Transfers Tracker

(Last update: 07 June 2019)

Out of the 26 teams who participated in the Datu Cup of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League,  only two (2) teams are left so far battling for the crown. The season is yet to end but the other teams are already making serious moves to beef up their line up. 

We track the player signings below:

BACOOR CITY STIKERS

The Strikers won 13 games in 25 outings to take the 5th spot after the single round robin elimination round. In their first round match up in the playoffs, they stunned the fourth seeded General Santos City Warriors en route to the South Division Semifinals.

But that was how far they were able to go since they were eventually swept by the Davao Occidental Tigers in their best-of-three series.

The King Warrior May No Longer Play For UE. Where should Alvin Pasaol Play Next?

Alvin Pasaol's return to the Red and White this coming season 82 of the UAAP still hangs in the air. In his last game in the UAAP season 81, there are already signs indicating that he might forego his last playing year. And with the recent change in the management and coaching staff of UE's Men's Basketball Team, it is highly unlikely that he will banner the Red Warriors one last time.

His departure will definitely be a big loss for the Red Warriors given his phenomenal talent. It may take some time before we can see another Red Warrior match his explosiveness. For the uninitiated, Pasaol who is fondly called the "Baby Tank" broke James Yap’s single game scoring record of 36 points set in 2002. Pasaol dropped his own 49 points back in 2017 against the then defending champion De Lasalle Green Archers led by super import Ben Mbala.

How the San Juan Knights Won The Datu Cup

New Champions

The San Juan Knights are the new Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Champions after they escaped the Davao Occidental Tigers right in front of the latter's home crowd.

How did the Knights finish off the Tigers in five (5) games?

Game 1: San Juan Knights Tame Davao Occidental Tigers

John Wilson posted an efficient performance of 21 points, eight rebounds, four steals, and three assists to lead the San Juan Knights' demolition of the Davao Occidental Tigers, 84-74, in the latter's Homecourt in Almendras Gym, Davao City during the Game 1 of the MPBL Datu Cup National Finals.

Mac Cardona chipped in 16 points on top of seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals to help the Knights tame their rivals in front of the feisty home crowd of the Tigers. Seven of his total points came in the Knights' 12-1 rampage late in the second quarter that put them ahead by 8 poins, 47-29 at the 1:31 mark of the quarter.

Lethal Strike? What Ian Melencio Can Contribute For the Bacoor Strikers

By: Dj Dalanao

Ian Melencio's height is 5'8 yet he has been one of the poster boys for "ligang labas"  players who made a name in the fledgling seasons of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao to give a second chance for basketball players who were unable to get signed in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

For so many years, the PBA has been the go-to league for the best basketball talents in the Philippines. Unfortunately, only a select few are able to play in the PBA. It's therefore common to see a lot of PBA hopefuls who are making name in various ligang labas.

It's therefore a good thing that we are now introduced to players who were previously out of the radar, thanks to the MPBL. In the inaugural Anta Rajah Cup, Ian Melencio was the leading scorer for the Imus Banderas when he posted an average of 15.89 points per game. He likewise added an average of six (6) rebounds and 3.11 assists per game. Given such numbers, the league took notice of his talent.

Undoubtedly, Melencio is one of the steady guards who can facilitate any team's offense with his vision and quickness. With Imus, he is used to running the floor with the likes of Jenmar Bragais for easy fastbreak points.

But now that he will be playing with the Bacoor Strikers for the next two seasons, what can he contribute to the Striker's campaign?