After another successful season in 2023 which was dominated by the Pampanga Giant Lanterns, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is set to open its 6th season on March 16, 2024 at a soon-to-be-announced venue. Excitement is already in the air as two (2) new teams will join the MPBL, which is arguably the biggest professional basketball league in the Philippines in terms of the numer of participating squads.
During the press conference in Pangasinan last February 8, 2024, MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes announced that 29 teams, including the 2 new members, have confirmed participation. Considering that 29 teams also battled for the championship trophy last season, it means that 2 teams will take leave of absence.
PANGASINAN HEAT
The MPBL officially welcomed team Pangasinan during the contract signing and press conference last February 8, 2024 at the Provincial Capitol, Lingayen. Owned by Cesar Quiambao, team Pangasinan will be known as the Pangasinan Heat as a testament to Pangasinan's vision of becoming the Solar capital of the Philippines.
Pangasinan Heat is supported by Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, Congressman Art Celeste and Alaminos Mayor Bryan Celeste. To ensure competitiveness, Pangasinan Heat aims to hire five (5) to seven (7) ex-PBA players to reinforce its local players. Pangasinan Heat's coaching staff will be headed by Jun Marzan, along with PBA legends Danny Ildefonso, Cris Calaguio and Marlou Aquino.
So far, the Pangasinan Heat held tryouts several weeks ago to select the best local talents of Pangasinan which is known as one of the hotbeds of Philippine Basketball as many basketball legends came from Pangasinan. For instance, Renz Abando is one of the local talents discovered by Coach Aldin Ayo, and he is now plying his trade in Korea.
TEAM ABRA
Abra formalized its entry in the MPBL after signing the franchise agreement last February 6, 2024. The team will be bankrolled by Mayor and former Congressman JB Bernos who is also a known basketball afficionado.
Abra has definitely no intention of being a doormat in the MPBL. As early as now, it has signed several collegiate players from Mapua including last season's NCAA MVP Clint Escamis, John Christopher Recto, Marc Cuenco and John Jabonete. The team also signed rising star Felipe Chavez from the Marikina Shoemasters.
While unconfirmed, Basketball Zone reports that team Abra has also secured the commitments of big man Prince Caperal, Neil Tolentino from the Pampanga Giant Lanterns and Danielle Mallari. Abra will also hold tryouts in Bangued University on February 12, 2024 to enlist the best local talents in Abra so make sure to join the said tryouts if you intend to represent Abra as a homegrown player
NCAA Prohibits players from playing in Professional Leagues as Special Guest License holders
Another interesting development in the past week is the recent policy of the NCAA wherein it will no longer allow its players to play in professional leagues as SGLs. This will definitely affect a lot of MPBL teams which are planning to hire SGL players from the NCAA.
As a matter of fact, several teams had already signed SGL players such as those tapped by Abra from Mapua. The players of Perpetual Help who transferred to other teams such as Mark Omega and Cyrus Nitura will have to choose whether they will play in the MPBL or to serve 1 year residency before playing in the NCAA with their new teams.
Cyrus Nitura plans to play for the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards while serving his residency before playing for EAC Generals. He may need to revisit such plan as he may lose his eligibility if he will play in the MPBL even as SGL.
As the season opening draws closer, expect more exciting news about the MPBL. Just continue to visit this page from time to time so you will be updated with the latest happenings around the MPBL. You can also visit our youtube page "Ligang Pinoy" and like our Facebook page "MPBL Results".