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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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February 9, 2018
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FILIPINO ring icon Manny Pacquiao has high hopes for his brainchild, Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), will turn out to be the country’s version of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
In an interview with the media during the opening of the inaugural season last Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Pacquiao said he expects the league to grow next year from its current standing of 10 teams.
Among the participating squads this season are Bataan Defenders, Batangas Tanduay Athletics, Bulacan Kuyas, Caloocan Supremos, Imus Bandera, Muntinlupa Cagers, Navotas Clutch, Parañaque Patriots, Quezon City Capitals, and Valenzuela Classics.
“Madami ang nag-i-inquire, madami ang gusto sumali ang kaso naka-set up na ‘yung league (for first season),” said Pacquiao. “Tingin ko aabot pa ‘yan ng mga 20 teams next year.”
“Nakikita ko na magiging parang NBA ito. Kung sa NBA, may Eastern at Western Conference, sa atin naman ay may North at South,” added the former Kia Picanto playing coach.
Pacquiao admitted that his league was inspired by the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) but his MPBL will have the participation of local government units (LGU).
“Maganda ang MPBL kasi lugar laban sa lugar. Pero hindi ito katulad ng MBA dati na parang commercial. Dito sa MPBL involved ang mga local government units,” Pacquiao said.
“Matagal ko ring binuo itong MPBL mga isang taon. ‘Yung formula na binuo natin, kung papaano natin mapapaganda at mai-involve ‘yung mamamayan natin sa basketball, sa liga na ito, ‘yun ang naisip ko,” he said.
While Pacquiao’s MPBL is still way way far from the stature of the PBA, the league is also a big help as it give opportunities to the players who did not make it or were already gone in the PBA. We at Buzzer Beater are hoping for its success./PN
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