The 2024 MPBL season was a time of reckoning for the Bataan Risers, a team that has historically shown promise but faced significant challenges this year. With an overall record of 9 wins against 19 losses, securing them the 12th spot in the North Division, it's clear that the Risers had one of their toughest seasons to date.
The season kicked off with a hopeful note for Bataan, securing wins against Sarangani Marlins and Bacolod City of Smile early on. These victories hinted at potential for a competitive season. However, this was followed by back-to-back losses against the Manila Stars and Valenzuela Classic. The Risers then ended the month of April with a win versus the Bulacan Kuyas.
The initial momentum, however, quickly waned for the Risers as the team struggled to maintain consistency. After their win against the Kuyas, the Risers suffered six (6) consecutive defeats against the Davao Occidental Tigers, Pampanga Giant Lanterns, Rizal Golden Coolers, Muntinlupa Cagers, Batangas Tanduay Rum Masters and Zamboanga Master Brand Sardines.
Mid-Season Struggles
The Risers snapped their six-game skid with a victory over the lowly Imus Agimat. Their relief, however, was short lived as they recorded another string of losses against Marikina Shoemasters, Pasay Voyagers, Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, South Cotabato Warriors, Biñan Tatak Gel and the Parañaque Patriots. By the time they broke their second losing streak against the Mindoro Tamaraws on July 27, 2024, the Risers were already staring at a losing record of 5-19.
Late Surge
Towards the end of the regular season, there were glimpses of recovery. The Risers embarked on a four (4) game winning run starting with a win against the Bicolandia Oragons. They then vanquished the Pangasinan Heatwaves, Quezon Huskers and Negros Muscovados to improve to 9-16, and earn a chance to enter the playoffs.
Unfortunately for the Risers, their playoffs hope were dashed after they lost all of their remaining three (3) games. With these losses, they were unable to advance to the playoffs.
Player Performance
The Risers lacked a consistent scoring threat throughout the season. Only three (3) players averaged double-digits in scoring, namely Yves Sazon, Rhaffy Octobre and Mitchelle Maynes. This limitation throttled the Risers' offense whenever one of them had an off night.
Notably, James Castro, who was expected to carry the offensive load for the Risers, was missing the entire season. He only managed to record an average of 5.2 points in the 21 games he played for the team. The team's defense was also an area of concern, with opponents often outscoring them by considerable margins.
The 2024 season for the Bataan Risers will be remembered as a year of learning rather than achievement. For the team to bounce back, several areas need attention. For one, the team need to bring in blue chip players, especially those who can provide leadership and scoring consistency.
It's a good thing that the Risers have already started their buildup for the 2025 MPBL Season. The team already announced the signing of Rhinwil Yambing who was the key scorer for the Quezon City Toda Aksyon last season. His scoring prowess will be much needed by the Risers. Also joining the Risers for next season are Hubert Cani, Chris Javier and JL Capulong.
The Risers have the potential to compete at higher levels, as seen in their past performances. This off-season will be crucial for introspection and restructuring. If managed well, the lessons from 2024 could set the foundation for a stronger, more competitive team in future seasons.
While the 2024 MPBL Season was not what the Bataan Risers or their fans had hoped for, it serves as a clear indicator of where the team needs to focus its efforts. With smart decisions in recruitment, strategy, and development, the Risers could aim to be more competitive in the league.
BATAAN RISERS GAME SCORES
2024 MPBL SEASON
| Date | Teams | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/08/2024 | Bataan vs Sarangani | 90-80 | Bataan |
| 04/12/2024 | Bataan vs Bacolod | 86-74 | Bataan |
| 04/17/2024 | Bataan vs Manila | 84-90 | Manila |
| 04/24/2024 | Bataan vs Valenzuela | 87-91 | Valenzuela |
| 04/30/2024 | Bataan vs Bulacan | 92-90 | Bataan |
| 05/06/2024 | Bataan vs Davao Occ. | 89-90 | Davao Occ. |
| 05/13/2024 | Bataan vs Pampanga | 75-86 | Pampanga |
| 05/18/2024 | Bataan vs Muntinlupa | 63-69 | Muntinlupa |
| 05/24/2024 | Bataan vs Rizal | 85-87 | Rizal |
| 05/29/2024 | Bataan vs Batangas | 69-73 | Batangas |
| 06/03/2024 | Bataan vs Zamboanga | 72-79 | Zamboanga |
| 06/08/2024 | Bataan vs Imus | 93-61 | Bataan |
| 06/15/2024 | Bataan vs Marikina | 72-80 | Marikina |
| 06/22/2024 | Bataan vs N. Ecija | 70-85 | N. Ecija |
| 06/29/2024 | Bataan vs Pasay | 78-82 | Pasay |
| 07/05/2024 | Bataan vs. S. Cotabato | 83-88 | S. Cotabato |
| 07/12/2024 | Bataan vs Biñan | 68-79 | Biñan |
| 07/20/2024 | Bataan vs Parañaque | 58-74 | Parañaque |
| 07/27/2024 | Bataan vs Mindoro | 103-96 | Bataan |
| 08/01/2024 | Bataan vs San Juan | 81-97 | San Juan |
| 08/09/2024 | Bataan vs Caloocan | 52-60 | Caloocan |
| 08/14/2024 | Bataan vs Bicolandia | 108-91 | Bataan |
| 08/22/2024 | Bataan vs Pangasinan | 102-88 | Bataan |
| 08/27/2024 | Bataan vs Quezon | 85-82 | Bataan |
| 09/05/2024 | Bataan vs Negros | 84-62 | Bataan |
| 09/13/2024 | Bataan vs Quezon City | 60-76 | Quezon City |
| 09/17/2024 | Bataan vs Iloilo | 100-104 | Iloilo |
| 09/21/2024 | Bataan vs Abra | 74-93 | Abra |