PBL focuses on league’s rising stars

Long considered as the spawning ground of cage talents in the country, the Philippine Basketball League takes center stage once again this weekend with a promise of another conference of riveting matches and marquee match-ups on a theme focusing on the homegrown talents, including the country’s leading amateurs and upcoming stars.

Working on a new slogan — "Ito Ang Tunay Na Ligang Bayan" — the PBL hopes to generate much interest from the public with its brand of game as it seeks to re-stake its claim as the country’s premier amateur league without undermining the integrity of the other groups.

"We’re not competing against anyone, but we just want to emphasize the talents of our local players," said PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad. "However, we want them to work hard, play their best and continue to aspire to be become good players."

In fact, the best and the brightest amateurs, who honed and sharpened their talents in the league, will see action in the Platinum Cup firing off Saturday as the crack members of the national team get to play as a guest squad as part of their buildup for next month’s Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.

They include Celino Cruz, Dennis Madrid, Paul Artadi, James Yap, Willie Wilson, Richard Melencio, Gary David, Rich Alvarez, Ranidel de Ocampo, Irvin Sotto, Ricky Calimag and Mark Pingris. Wesley Gonzales and Allan Salansang are the alternates.

The league will take a break during the SEAG wars with all but three of these players returning to their respective ballclubs at resumption of hostilities on Dec. 16.

The shift in venue from the Makati Coliseum to the Pasig Sports Center is also expected to bring the league closer to the people and give the fans easy access to the playing site.

Although emphasis is on the local talents, Trinidad said the league is also open to Fil-foreign players. "We’re not against Fil-foreign players. As long as they have the proper documents, they can play (in the PBL)," he said.

But the accent is still on the homegrown players, whom the league wants to help not only to provide them the proper venue to showcase their talent but beyond it as well.

"Some are really working hard because we know na talagang ito ang ikinabubuhay nila. Natutuwa nga ako dahil sa kanila, marami tayong (PBL) natutulungan," said Trinidad.

Meanwhile, Sunkist clashes with Welcoat Paints, while Fash Liquid Detergent takes on Montana Pawnshop in a pair of blockbuster matches kicking off the Platinum Cup. Other teams seeing action are ICTSI-La Salle and Viva Mineral Water-FEU, while players worth watching for are JR Reyes, Nelbert Omolon, Jercules Tangkay, Mark Pingris, Willie Wilson, Mac Cuan, Pep Moore, JC Intal and Douglas Kramer, Gary David, Mark Magsumbol, Christian Coronel and Ronjay Enrile.