Nikki Viola • June 10, 2020
Duremdes: MPBL will be better, stronger
Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes shared in an online remote interview that, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, it was a difficult decision for the league to have to postpone its upcoming season, which was originally slated to open this week on Independence Day: “Alam natin na very passionate ang mga Pinoy sa basketball."
Commissioner Duremdes explained that league founder/CEO Senator Manny Pacquiao, along with the MPBL Committee, met with the team owners and managers regarding the matter of coping with the new normal.
While the health factor was not deemed significantly at risk, they came to the decision that it's not quite right for many to enjoy the league while others are suffering.
They also needed to consider such factors as permits, clearance from the Inter-Agency Task Force For Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), guidelines from the Department of Health, and venue stipulations from local government units.
According to Duremdes, the new set-up includes having only one venue for the remaining games, instead of the usual home court advantage engagements. Safety precautions will include scouting for hotels near the venue for quarantine purposes, COVID-19 tests would have to be conducted before the game, and there will be a closed-door game policy.
Teams will have a month to train and get back into shape. Transportation is also seen as a big challenge, as some teams will be coming from the South, such as the Davao Occidental Tigers and Basilan Steel.
Duremdes reiterated that teams cannot acquire or recruit players unless Lakan Cup 2019-20 is finished because it is going to be unfair, especially for the last few teams who are competing for the division and national finals. The league informed all teams that they can acquire and plan on building their respective teams after Lakan.
MPBL will also be holding pre-season tournaments to prepare the teams for the next season. Clustering will be based per division, to include North, Metro Manila and Southern Luzon.
With so many challenges up ahead, Duremdes remains positive: “Lahat kakayanin natin.” He encourages everyone “to be patient and positive,” keeping faith that the fans are looking forward to watching MPBL again, supporting their teams and cities as “the league will be back stronger and better.”
