MPBL proud to see its ex-stars thrive in PBA Commissioner's Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Add Mark Nonoy to the growing list of former MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) stars shining in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

The crack guard out of the Iloilo United Royals posted a career-high 33 points, spiked by five triples and two 4-point plays, four rebounds and four assists to power Terrafirma past TNT Tropang Giga, 117-108, recently as the Dyip exited the PBA Commissioner's Cup with a lone win in 12 games.

Nonoy, a speedy 43-inch vertical leaper, earned the game's best player honors, duplicating the feat of fellow MPBL products Justine Baltazar (Pampanga Giant Lanterns), Adrian Nocum (San Juan Knights), Jhonard Clarito (San Juan Knights) and Arvin Tolentino (Batangas City Athletics). Clarito and Tolentino have even earned Player of the Week accolades.

Slowly finding the form that made him the 2024 top draft pick, Pampanga superstar Baltazar tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks in Converge's 127-109 rout of Blackwater. It followed up the back-to-back MPBL MVP's 16-point, 7-rebound, 4-assist performance in the FiberXers' 110-94 conquest of the Meralco Bolts on Christmas Day.

Showcasing his all-around skills, Nocum notched 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in Rain or Shine's 122-106 rout of Blackwater.

Clarito, the PBA's Most Improved Player in 2023, also provides energy and firepower for Rain or Shine.

Tolentino, now a member of the Gilas Pilipinas pool, chalked 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in pacesetting NorthPort's 105-104 squeaker over San Miguel.

It's hardly surprising for Tolentino to do so as he sizzled for 51 points in NorthPort's 135-109 demolition of Converge on August 29, 2024, in the Governor's Cup, the last local player to reach the 50-point plateau in six years.

Besides Tolentino, Baltazar is projected to get better as the Commissioner's Cup progresses and earn a spot in the national pool.

"They're proof that the MPBL is fulfilling its goal of finding and developing new talents," said MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes. "The league won't stand in the way of its players seeking greener pastures."