MPBL willing to represent Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said the regional-based league composed of 22 teams is ready and willing to represent the country in the international arena.

“The MPBL is ready to offer its services,” said Duremdes, the PBA Most Valuable Player in 1998 and member of the Centennial Team that won the bronze medal in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok.

“If there are smaller tournaments that the PBA or SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) cannot accommodate, the MPBL can step in,” he told a small group of scribes last Wednesday.

“Yung mga pocket tournaments na hindi na nila kaya salihan because of conflict in schedule, willing kami. We’re talking about the smaller ones, and not the SEA Games or Asian Games,” he added.

Duremdes said the Jones Cup is one tournament where an MBPL selection to be reinforced by one or two imports that can be considered.     – Abac Cordero

“Our boss (MPBL Founding Chairman Sen. Manny Pacquiao) said the MBPL will always be willing to help in national endeavors,” added Duremdes, also part of the Philippine team that ruled the Jones Cup in 1998.

MPBL operations chief Joe Ramos said if given the chance, the pro league now on its fourth season will represent the country with pride.

“We can do that,” he said.

Duremdes, a six-time champion in the PBA, bared that he’s been in constant touch with PBA commissioner Willie Marcia.

“We discuss ideas,” he said.

Duremdes, who played in the PBA from 1995 to 2008 and later on became Adamson coach in the UAAP, added that the MPBL is knocking on the doors of the SBP regarding possible membership.

“We are looking at that as well. We want to be part of the SBP as a stakeholder,” he said.