MPBL makes tweaks under new management

In 5... 4... 3... 2... 1...

Under new management, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League will be tweaking its rules when it holds its invitational next month.

The adjustments are part of the moves Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas is conducting as it takes over league operations.

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas spokesperson Mark Zambrano says, "Ang involvement po ng Chooks-to-Go is a little bit more expanded coming from a title sponsorship. Now, ang hawak na po ng Chooks-to-Go ay ang operations of the league. This will still be done in cooperation and partnership with both our league founder Sen. Manny Pacquiao and the office of commissioner Kenneth Duremdes. There will be changes but these changes will all be good for the league. Side-by-side, yun po ang gagawin natin."

The simplest tweak comes from the removal of restrictions involving Fil-foreigners. The league had previously instituted a height limit of 6'5" in order to be eligible to play. A Philippine passport is needed to be eligible to play in the league.

In addition, the limits on how many homegrown players, as well as "ex-pros" can be rostered have also been taken out.

However, the biggest development new management is set to introduce is the professionalization of the league, as well as securing FIBA accreditation.

Zambrano shares, "There will also be meetings with our team managers, league officials, and the Games and Amusements Board regarding this matter."

Kenneth Duremdes remains as league commissioner, and he has embraced the sweeping changes about to take place.

"Unang-una, nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng team owners na dumalo and, of course, sa Chooks-to-Go na nagkaroon tayo ng panibagong partnership. We both have a common goal which is to help our players reach their potential," he said. "May mga players na nag-struggle talaga this pandemic. Patience is a virtue talaga at naghintay ng tamang panahon ang MPBL para ma-reignite ang ating liga."

He adds, "This is the best time na matagal ng hinihintay ng ating mga fans at ng ating mga players."

This kind of sentiment extends to the participating teams.

Makati owner Paolo Orbeta shares, "We are very, very happy na makakapag-start na ang league with the partnership of Chooks and the MPBL. We would like to let everyone know that we are aligned with the goals of Chooks-to-Go MPBL. We needed this start para magtuloy-tuloy na for everyone. Maganda na we will have something to end the year on a positive note."

Marikina head coach Elvis Tolentino adds, "Kanina nga nabanggit ni Commissioner na ang tagal ng nawala yung MPBL. Yung invitational tournament natin is our window to start the new normal," while Rizal team manager Angie Azores says, "We are excited sa balik bola ng Chooks-to-Go and MPBL. It's been two long years. Sobrang dami naming natatanggap ng inquiries from the players. We are happy to be able to help them again and bring them back to the sport that they love."

Aside from the three teams mentioned, ten more squads have manifested their interest in participating in the upcoming invitational tournament, led by the Lakan Cup champions Davao Occidental.

Also set to join are Bacolod, Bicol, Caloocan, GenSan, Imus, Laguna, Negros, Nueva Ecija, Sarangani.

Additional teams have until Wednesday afternoon to confirm their participation, with the final list to be revealed on Thursday.

A major reboot will take place once the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League restarts this December.

Gone will be the height limit restriction for Filipino-foreigners that will play in the league. For as long as the player has a Philippine passport, he will be eligible to play.

Thirteen teams have already confirmed their participation for the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational Tournament set from December 11-21 at either the Caloocan Sports Complex, the Ynares Sports Arena (Antipolo), or Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.

Headlining the field are Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan season champion Davao Occidental Tigers.

Other MPBL member teams who want to join the Invitationals are given a Wednesday afternoon deadline to make their decision. The final list of participating teams will be announced on Thursday.