THE Junior MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) was formally launched on Sunday with 22 teams taking part in its inaugural season.
MPBL founder and boxing great Manny Pacquiao led the elaborate opening ceremony at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan as the regional cage league shifts focus on grassroots through its Under-18, U-16, and U-14 tournaments.
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But the 44-year-old former senator said the league is more than just basketball.
“It is also about molding our young generation to be responsible and disciplined individuals both on and off the court,” said Pacquiao in his opening speech.
“Ang basketball ay hindi lamang isang laro. Ito ay isang paraan upang magkaroon ng disiplina at ma-develop ang teamwork.”
Participating teams include Antipolo, Batangas, Bauan, Bulacan, Decena, Cavite City, Davao, Dasmarinas, Imus, Las Pinas, Leyte, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Pampanga, Quezon City, Quezon, Rizal, San Pedro, and Valenzuela.
A total of 86-game days will be played ar six games per playdate.
Venues to be tapped are the Batangas City Coliseum, Bauan Sports Complex, Ynares Center in Antipolo, Bren Guiao Convention Centre, Perpetual Help College, Villar Coliseum, and Malabon Sports Complex.
John Keith Picazo is the commissioner.
Michael Pacquiao, son of the legendary boxer, sang the Junior MPBL soundtrack, while opening-day performances were provided by Pacquiao and Lito Camo accompanied by a live band, Urban Crew ‘Flyers of the South.'
Three games were featured on opening day.
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