WITH the a number of players moving up to the pros, existing teams look to fill the holes while other clubs are expected to take advantage and join the fray in the third season of the PBA Developmental League firing off in October.
“The PBA D-League has met our expectations in as far as developing players and even coaches for the PBA,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud. “The upcoming PBA Draft should cement that further, with most of the top picks likely to come from those who had played in the PBA D-League the past two seasons.”
Fil-foreign players like Cliff Hodge, Chris Ellis, Alex Mallari and Keith Jensen as well as homegrown aces like Vic Manuel, Calvin Abueva, Lester Alvarez, Garvo Lanete and several other D-League stalwarts are expected to be picked early in the PBA Draft slated on August 19 at the Robinson’s Midtown in Manila.
Early indications point to the continued participation of several teams in the PBA D-League led by three-time champion NLEX Road Warriors, Cebuana Lhuillier, Big Chill, Blackwater Sports, Boracay Rum, Café France and the Cagayan Rising Suns.
“Our doors are open for new teams to participate. School teams, LGU-based teams and of course, companies who wish to invest in youth and sports development,” said Salud. “All they have to do is call or e-mail the PBA office and our staff would be happy to field inquiries about their possible participation in the PBA D-League so more players can be given exposure at this higher level of play.”
The league can be reached through pbadl@yahoo.com.
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