MPBL awaits IATF OK

MANILA, Philippines — It’s been two weeks since the MPBL delivered an appeal to the IATF for approval to resume the suspended Lakan Cup which will only take from five to seven games to finish but there’s still no word if a go-signal is on the way.

MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said yesterday Rep. Claudine Bautista personally handed the letter of appeal to IATF co-chair Sec. Karlo Nograles. If the IATF gives its thumbs-up, MPBL will become the first non-pro league allowed to resume competition in this pandemic. The IATF has so far permitted only pro leagues to reopen under strict health protocols because athletes under contract rely on sports for their livelihood.

Duremdes said four teams will be involved in the resumption, if ever. San Juan and Makati will play a do-or-die game in the North semifinals while Davao Occidental will face Basilan in another do-or-die game in the South semifinals. The winners will then square off in a best-of-five series for the championship. “Hindi mahirap to handle in a bubble,” said Duremdes. “After the two do-or-die games which can be played in one day, we’ll be down to just two teams. Within a week, tapos na tayo.” What concerns Duremdes is the training time the four teams will need to prepare for the restart. “Hindi natin alam ang kondisyon nila,” he said. “For sure, hindi sila game-shape. Malamang, karamihan naghahanap-buhay for their families.” But he’s confident that once the IATF approval comes, the teams will be able to reassemble their players for the final push.

The convenient option is to turn pro but Duremdes said MPBL will stay amateur. “Hindi kami pang-pro kasi we invite collegiate, grassroots, out of school and barangay-level players to join,” he said. “’Yan ang vision ni Sen. Manny (Pacquiao). We’re giving the opportunity for players to showcase their skills and get exposure on TV so that maybe, they can be discovered. Kaya natutuwa kami na our players like Aris Dionisio, Mike Ayonayon, Allyn Bulanadi, Santi Santillan and Alvin Pasaol have moved up to the next level. Ang goal namin is to inspire players to make their basketball dreams come true.” Duremdes said former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has offered his family’s resort in Tanay, Rizal, as a site for a possible MPBL bubble. “Yung resort ni Sen. Jinggoy mayroon gym, rooms, dining hall,” said Duremdes. “It can accommodate four teams at dahil private property, we can easily implement strict health and safety protocols.”