Nico Beato

As part of the ongoing preparations for its upcoming second season, National Basketball League Philippines conducted the traditional Team Owners’ meeting Friday morning, February 8, at Max’s Restaurant SM Megamall. All of NBL’s Senior Officials were in attendance led by League Chairman Soy Mercado who enthusiastically opened the ceremony. “Sobrang successful ng ating first season. Everything went really well. Because of our innovative concept, madami talagang homegrown players ang nabigyan ng pagkakataon na maipakita ang kakayahan nila. We will proudly continue this vision in the upcoming years.” Executive Vice President Rhose Montreal revealed what the rationale was behind the groundbreaking idea. “Nag-isip kami ng ibang concept when it cones to basketball. Iba kasi ang feeling when playing for hometown pride. The same goes for the fans cheering on their respective teams.” Montreal later revealed what surprises and additions are on deck in the steadily rising homegrownladen league. “We are launching the Women’s National Basketball League this season. I truly believe na madami tayong magagaling na female talent na, just like their brothers in the NBL, eh naghihintay lang ng opportunity nila.” “We will be likewise launching NBL Youth to be made up of two divisions, 17-under and 12-under, since we want our young talent to learn early on.” “Finally, we will have a commercial league for the ‘graduates’ of NBL. Players will be those 30 years old and above who have not turned professional yet. In order to be eligible for this tournament, all aspirants must have experience in the NBL Men’s Tournament.” The veteran sports figure then proudly stated the league officials’ long term plans for players and teams alike. “If makikita niyo po yung structure ng buong liga, alalay natin ang athletes from their youth until sa pagiging veterans. That’s why we are very excited that your players and teams are a part of something special brewing in Philippine sports.” “Maganda ang samahan natin dito,” added Commissioner Nandy Garcia. “Pamilya talaga ang magiging turingan natin, on and off the court.” That kind of relationship, experienced firsthand by the founding members of the league, is certain to be passed on to the newcomers, specifically, the Pampanga Dragons, Cainta Titans, Pasig Rios, Bulacan Starks, Zamboanga Valientes, and Imus Bandila. As of this writing, as many as eight teams are still waiting for their participation. Witness what should be another exciting NBL season when action tips off on March 9 from the Santa Rosa Sports Complex. Program starts at 3:30PM with the presentation of the Hannah Pauline Mercado Perpetual Trophy to the reigning Men’s Tournament Champions, Parañaque Aces. The slated doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 4:00PM and 6:00PM to be broadcasted LIVE on Basketball TV, the Net 25 Youtube Channel, eaglenewslive.com, and the league’s official social media account at Facebook.com/NBLPhil. Primetime replays will be aired on Solar Sports. And as recently announced, #AngTahananNgTunayNaHomegrown can now be seen in the global stage via GMA International TV.