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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Duremdes: MPBL a sanctuary for cagers

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The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League is a sanctuary league for everyone—grassroots, college,  out-of-school youth and even ex-pros.

This was stressed by MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes in reaction to reports that the Games and Amusements Board is determined to classify the MPBL as a pro league under the direct supervision of the government regulatory body.

“We stand by our vision that the  MPBL is an amateur league. We cater to amateur players from grassroots, college, out of school and even ex-PBA players coming back,” said Duremdes in a talk with sportswriters during the 11th TOPS’ “Usapang Sports” at the National Press Club in Intramuros last Feb. 21.

MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes
MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes

Duremdes, nicknamed “Capt. Marbel”  during his PBA days, said MPBL officials discussed the matter with GAB Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra twice already to resolve the issues.

While he is not directly against the decision of GAB,  Duremdes said making the MPBL a professional status will contradict the vision of the league founded by Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

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“Mas maganda din naman ‘yun under ka ng GAB. But then again,  it will contradict our vision. Mahirap ikuha mo agad ng pro license ‘yung mga players coming from the barangays. Pati mga college players,  hindi papayagan na basta mag-turn pro,”  explained Duremdes.

The one-time PBA MVP said he has not encountered any problems with the schools or mother leagues  of the players also playing in the MPBL

“Wala naman kaming problema sa mga schools na may players na naglalaro din sa MPBL. If the schools allow them to play, walang problema. Sabi nga, itong MPBL ay tinatawag din natin na liga ng bawat Pilipino para sa Pilipino,” said Duremdes.

Duremdes also revealed that the MPBL is looking to add six more teams to its current 26-team roster divided into North and South Divisions.

“We have received a lot of feelers already but nothing is definite yet. One of them is Olongapo. We want to make it a 32-team league. Tapos tama na,” added Duremdes.

Asked about the presence of politicians running in the coming national and licals elections during the games, Duremdes said the MPBL is not exactly being used as a tool for political propaganda. “Nagkataon lang na that these politicians  are also watching the games. But there are also fishermen, firemen and farmers watching our games. Nabibigyan lang talaga ng kulay. Ang importante naman dito is that they are not promoting themselves, but they are promoting the league.” 

Duremdes was joined during the weekly forum supported by the Philippine Sports Commission  and National Press Club by two-time taekwondo Olympian Stephen Fernandez and  Community Basketball Association officials Beaujing Acot and Atty. Bong Africa of the Nueva Ecija Defenders.

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