10 more teams join MPBL

MPBL press conference. Randolph B. Leongson/INQUIRER.net

Following a successful staging of the 2018 Anta Rajah Cup, Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League has welcomed 10 more teams in its continuing expansion.

The grassroots league doubled up the participating squads to 20 teams after securing commitments from 10 more towns.

Making a comeback to the basketball scene will be teams from Manila, Pasig, and San Juan, cities which had teams in the defunct MBA.

Also joining the fray in the MPBL’s next conference are Makati, Mandaluyong, Marikina, and Pasay, while provincial squads Pampanga, Laguna, and Rizal are also set to field in their own squads.

These teams have already submitted their letter of intents and will soon meet the league organizers led by founder Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

Batangas Tanduay Athletics ruled the inaugural conference of the MPBL, toppling the Muntinlupa Cagers in four games.

Also part of the founding squads are the Parañaque Patriots, Valenzuela Classic, Bulacan Kuyas, Quezon City Capitals, Navotas Clutch, Bataan Defenders, Imus Bandera, and Caloocan Supremos.

The league is also seeking to extend its bounds to the south, with teams in Cebu and Davao also baring their intentions to field a team.

The second conference of the MPBL begins on June 12. Randolph B. Leongson