Anton Eusebio Sizzles in Gensan Warriors 2nd Win

The Gensan Warriors overcame a hot start from the Mindoro Tamaraws and pulled away for an 87–70 victory, remaining unbeaten at 2-0 while dropping Mindoro to 1-1.

Mindoro came out firing in the opening quarter, riding the strong play of JC Recto to take a 23–22 lead after one. The Tamaraws looked sharp early, attacking inside and controlling the boards. But the game turned dramatically in the second quarter

Michael Phillips Lifts San Juan Knights In MPBL Debut

The San Juan Knights continued their strong start to the season, notching a second straight victory at the expense of the Cebu Greats, who slipped to a 1-1 record.

San Juan leaned on a balanced offensive attack, led by Gerry Abadiano’s game-high 15 points. The Knights saw multiple contributors step up, with Michael Calisaan adding 12 markers and Mike Phillips chipping in nine points along with a dominant presence on the glass. Orlan Wamar and AC Soberano each contributed eight points, highlighting the team’s depth in securing back-to-back wins.

MPBL 2023: Yves Sazon is the Player of the Week 13-20 August 2023

Yves Sazon is the MPBL Player of the Week of 13-20 August 2023 after averaging 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game in two games during the said period. Last 15 August 2023, he scattered 21 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in a victory against the Iloilo United Royals.

He followed it up with another scintillating performance to lead the Bataan Risers to a crucial 76-73 victory over the Marikina Shoemasters on 19 August 2023 at the Bataan People's Center. In that game, he poured 21 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assists and 3 steals.

MPBL Box Scores Today: Poypoy Actub Gains Confidence, Proves Doubters Wrong

When Poypoy Actub set a MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) record of the most dunks in a single game after throwing down seven (7) slam against Bulacan Kuyas, many belittled such feat since the Kuyas is just a lowly team. In his next game against Muntinlupa Cagers, however, Poypoy showed why he belongs in the MPBL.

Poypoy Actub had no dunks against the Muntinlupa Cagers but he spread 22 points, three (3) rebounds and three (3) steals, enough to notch the best player of the game citation. This disproves the notion that his historic 31 points, including 7 dunks, 10 rebounds, 9 assists and three (3) steals versus Bulacan Kuyas was not a fluke.

The Rim Protectors: Top 5 Blockers of MPBL's Lakan Season

In our previous article, we discussed the five (5) playmakers who topped the  Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) in dishing out the most assists per game. This time, we will focus on another set of players who are instrumental in anchoring their team's interior defense, an often overlooked aspect of the game but is equally important as scoring.

These are the players who will be the last line of defense when the team's perimeter defense breaks down.  They will gladly deny entry whenever an opponent sneaks into the ring,

Take a look at the five (5) players who deserve recognition as the best blockers in the league.

The Court Generals: Top 5 Passers in MPBL's Lakan Season

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), including other professional basketball leagues such as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and National Basketball Association (NBA), remains suspended indefinitely as the world is currently battling a serious global pandemic that threatens the life, safety, livelihood of everyone. With the way things are unfolding at this very moment, the fate of the MPBL Lakan Season hangs in the balance.

There are still four (4) teams fighting for the National championship trophy when the season was suspended. Up north, the best-of-three series between the defending champions San Juan Knights and the Makati Supercrunch is tied at 1-1 while the battle for Southern Division supremacy is likewise knotted at 1-1.

While the National Champion is yet to be determined, we take a look at the top five (5) passers of the MPBL Lakan Season elimination round.

Mark Yee Should be the MVP. Here's why.

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League was on the thick of the playoffs when the matches were indefinitely suspended due to the pandemic brought about by the COVID-19. At that time, both the North and South Division Finals were tied at 1-1. The do-or-die game 3 in the South will return to Davao while the rubber match up North will be decided in San Juan on a soon to be announced schedule.

Be that as it may, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the regular season can already be decided based on the performance of the players during the elimination rounds. As we already know, the MVP Award is the highest individual recognition which a player can get in the sport of basketball. But how do we choose who should be the MVP?

Mission Possible: Can Basilan Complete A Cinderella Run?

Basilan was just a win away from a historic appearance in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) National Championship but the Davao Occidental Tigers had another thing on their mind. In the crucial seconds of their game two (2) encounter, the Ilonggo Superman, Billy Ray Robles, unleashed a booming triple which hit nothing but net to give the Davao Occidental Tigers a three (3) point cushion, 77-74 with less than a minute remaining in the game.

In the succeeding possession, Alyn Bulanadi responded with a floater to pull Basilan to within a point but Bon Bon Custodio calmly retaliated with a soft bank shot to restore the Tiger’s lead to three (3), 79-76. Basilan had a chance to tie the game or cut the lead in their next possession but Bulanadi airballed a three point shot as the ball slipped off his hands. Mark Yee then put the game beyond reach after he sunk both of his free throws after he was intentionally fouled, 81-76.

With the win, the Davao Occidental Tigers tied the best of three series, 1-1, and the series will return to Davao where the Tigers will have a chance to knock out Basilan in front of their home crowd. But they should not take the Steels lightly. To recall, Basilan pulled off a tough upset win against the Bacoor Strikers in front of the latter’s hostile crowd and followed it up with an inspired showing in the Tigers’ own lair in game one.

Can MPBL Stars Succeed In the PBA?

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is proving to be a launchpad for Non-UAAP and Non-NCAA players who are aspiring of making it big into the professional ranks, particularly the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Every year, young basketball talents from renowned collegiate leagues all over the country such as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) among others submits their application to be drafted into the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Given the limited number of teams competing in the PBA, getting drafted early during draft night is very challenging to say the least especially with the influx of Filipino-Foreigners trained abroad.

There are currently twelve (12) teams that are participating in the PBA which hosts a three (3) conference format annually. With only around fifteen (15) players that can officially be lined up each team, getting drafted, much less receiving playing time, is very competitive. There are also very few players who retire every year; thus, there are very limited roster spot up for grabs.

Teams need to draft young players for various reasons. First and foremost is that they need talents who can bring trophies to the team. Thus, teams are aiming to get the number one (1) pick in order to snatch the best talent in the draft pool who can be their franchise player for several years to come.

The Problem of Game Fixing

Game Fixing has always been a thorn in the neck for Philippine Basketball. Like a plague, there is no shortage of game fixing scandal that rocked the local basketball scene which even led to the downfall of some players and the suspension or expulsion of others from their collegiate teams. 

Just last August 13, 2019, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) issued a memorandum that warned team owners in its Developmental League (PBA D-League) that the Commissioner reserves the right to suspend or perpetually ban a team, player, or coach if the following circumstances are observed, to wit:

a) Noticeable sub-par performance of a team or player;

b) Failure of a coach to bench a player who is obviously or deliberately committing errors;

c) Deliberately benching a player for no apparent reason even if such player is already performing well.

These Players Are Defying Father Time

Being a basketball player is certainly one of the most physically demanding job in the world. Not only do you need to last for the entire duration of the game, you need to also keep your body in great condition during the numerous practices and preparation.

It is therefore very inspiring to see basketball players that continue to defy father time as they play the game they love. Likewise, it is very heartening to watch your childhoold idols still play toe to toe with the young players.

Thanks to the upstart Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), a lot of retired Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players are bringing their careers back to life as they now compete in MPBL which was founded by Senator and Boxing Champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao back in 2018.

Let’s take a look at these oldies but still goodies basketball player.

Why It's Better for the MPBL To Remain An Amateur League

The Games and Amusement board of the Philippines has been talking with the officials of the Maharlika Pilipinas League (MPBL) to convince the latter to elevate the status of its league from an amateur to a professional one.

But the MPBL is lukewarm to the idea considering that turning to a professional league entails major adjustments. In this article, we analyze what are the advantages and disadvantages of an amateur compared to a professional league.

The GAB and its Mandate

By virtue of Executive Order (EO) 392 series of 1951, the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) was created for the purpose of regulating and supervising professional sports, amusement games, and all activities related therewith. Pursuant thereto, it shall promote and maintain honest and fair conduct of games to protect the betting public. It also aims to grants licenses in professional sports to make a stable base for revenue generation.

MPBL: Notable Head Coaches In The Datu Cup

Coaches are probably the most underrated member in any basketball team. Perhaps due to the fact that they spend the entire game on the bench, it's very rare that the spotlight is focused on them. As a result,  their brilliance goes, more often than not, unappreciated.

The contribution of coaches to a game can't be stressed enough.  One ingenious play drawn by a clever coach could spell the difference between winning and losing. As a matter of fact,  just one in-game adjustment made by the coach could change the flow of the game in favor of his team. That's how important coaches are in steering a team towards winning. They can adapt real time to their opponent's move because they, like a general looking over his troops on a vantage point,  can see what the players on the floor couldn't.

Changes Are Coming To The MPBL

There's just barely a month left before the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League opens a brand new season that promises to be more exciting than ever. While the first two (2) seasons were indeed successful, expect significant changes that are set to be implemented by the MPBL in the coming season just to ensure that the fans remain engaged with the league.

Here are what we know so far.  

A new name for a brand new season

Taking cue from the first and second seasons,  the third (3) iteration of the MPBL will be officially called the Lakan Cup. For those who have not followed the league since its inception, the first (1st) season was named the Rajah Cup while the just concluded season was also known as the Datu cup. These names are terms fit for the Maharlikas during pre-colonial times.

Does The MPBL Make Money?

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL)  has been making waves in the local basketball scenes lately. This is evident in the growing interest in the league as shown by the number of teams that are willing to pay a hefty franchise fee just to be part of the MPBL family. With the entry of Bicol,  Nueva Ecija,  Mindoro,  and Iloilo, expect the third season to be more competitive

If TV ratings will also be used as a gauge in measuring the rising popularity of the MPBL, we can say that the MPBL is taking away viewership from the PBA. As a matter of fact,  the game 2 of the recently concluded Championship series between the San Juan Knights and Davao Occidental Tigers last April 13, 2019 earned a rating of 6.6% which is higher compared to the 5.1% rating of the semifinals game of the PBA on that day. Moreover,  ABS-CBN rode on the increasing adoration for the MPBL by inviting players of the San Juan Knights in the highly popular noontime show It's Showtime and on the morning show Umagang Kay Ganda.

Plenty Of Room For Improvement In The MPBL

From the time the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) crowned the San Juan Knights as the newest champion last April 25, 2019, the league is already making preparations for the upcoming season. The brand new edition of the MPBL will open on June 12, 2019. This gives the commissioner and its operations committee around two (2) months to prepare and make improvements from the past season.

Based from what we observed in the past season of the MPBL,  we summarize some aspect of the league which needs improvement.

Look: List Of Available UAAP Players For The 2019-2020 MPBL Season

A number of Notable UAAP graduates have already committed to play in the upcoming third (3rd) season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. Alvin Pasaol and Anton Asistio will take their talents to the Bataan Risers.  Likewise,  Arvin Tolentino committed to the Batangas City Athletics while Marvin Lee will backstop the Manila Stars. Nonetheless, a handful of them are still available for signing in teams that need youthful energy that can last the entire season. 

A very long season demands heavy endurance from players.  It therefore make sense for the various squads that are competing to have a mixture of young guns and reliable veterans.  It will be the veterans who will provide guidance and leadership while the young talents provide energy and speed. 

We take a look into some of the UAAP players who are readily available to play right at the start of the MPBL third season and those who can join after the UAAP season ends on December 2019.

MPBL Provides Bigger Stage For Unheralded Players From Little-known Leagues To Shine

It is no secret that the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP)  is the most popular collegiate basketball league in the Philippines. Due to its huge fan base,  the UAAP commands the highest broadcasting deal among all collegiate leagues in the country. It helps a lot that the UAAP hosts the biggest basketball rivalry between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the De La Salle green Archers. Every time these two storied rivals meet, the venue is filled to the brim. 

Coming in second to the UAAP is the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Although it is the oldest collegiate league established in 1924,  its member universities and colleges pale in comparison to the student population of the UAAP schools. Nevertheless, the NCAA produced basketball players that are equally, if not better, talented compared to their UAAP peers.

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.