Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League returns to national television this Independence Day (June 12) on ABS-CBN S+A and S+A HD, loaded with new teams and new players in the Datu Cup.
The country’s fastest-growing basketball league, now bigger and stronger with 26 teams, will start its second season with an opening ceremony at 7 p.m., followed by the showdown between newcomers General Santos Warriors and the Marikina Shoemakers at 7:30 p.m. Completing the double-header are Mandaluyong El Tigre and 2017 Rajah Cup runner-up Muntinlupa Cagers at 9:30 p.m.
Inaugural champ Batangas City Athletics’ path to another title conquest looks to be a difficult one with the entry of 16 new teams and a whole slew of deadly ballers that just came on board to pump more star power and adrenaline to the fledgling league founded by Sen. Manny Pacquiao.
Among them are two-time ASEAN Basketball League MVP Bobby Ray Parks Jr. who is suiting up for Mandaluyong, veteran pros Rey Guevarra (Muntinlupa), Jondan Salvador (Cebu), and John Wilson (San Juan), former collegiate stars Jai Reyes (Laguna), Kelvin Gregorio (Rizal), Jojo Duncil (Quezon City), Ronjay Enrile (Pasig), and celebrity basketball players Andre Paras (Imus) and Gerald Anderson (Marikina).
Don’t miss the MPBL Datu Cup on S+A and S+A HD starting June 12 at 7 pm. For news and updates, visit sports.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbnsports on Facebook and Twitter. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abscbnpr.com.