THE D-LEAGUE

From my Manila Standard Column Game Winners Feb. 25


The amateur basketball scene has experienced peeks and downturns the past couple of years. Gone are the days where it had a steady presence, producing some of the brightest hard court heroes that that went on to the professional ranks. The arrival of other leagues like Liga Filipinas and even its merger with the PBL last year created a wave of excitement, but that has dipped siginificantly.

With the emergence of another amateur league, excitement, along with hopes and dreams of young and promising stars are once again at a high. Through the efforts of the PBA, the Development League or D-league will be launched by March 12 at the San Juan Arena.
Unfortunately the PBL, which was also set for a comeback under the management of Nolan Bernardino, the son of the late PBA Commissioner Jun Bernardino, suffered a major drawback weeks before they were set to relaunch. Teams left the league and decided to join the D-League instead leaving the once top amateur league with not enough teams, and no other option but to fold.

Teams like Cobra Energy drink, Pharex, Ani-FCA and Café France have jumped ship.
The D-league will also have two teams under the Manny Pangilinan group - Metro Pacific Tollways and Maynilad. Powerade, apart from it’s team in the PBA will also set up a team in the D-league. Black Water/Ever Bilena, City of Antipolo, Handyfix/Max Bond, RnW Pacific Pipes and PC Gilmore are also confirmed to join.

According to its team manager Erico Lopez, the Maynilad banner will be carried by the NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions, making them strong finals contenders. Maynilad, now headed by Mr. Ricky Vargas who just celebrated his birthday yesterday, is a private firm managing the water distribution and wastewater services in the western zone of the Greater Metro Manila Area. Not to be confused with the eastern provider, Manila Water.

Each squad will have 14 players in their roster aged 17 to 26 years old. It will give these young hopefuls the opportunity to sharpen their skills plus gain confidence and experience. There is always a need for a mid-point between college ball and the pros to aide in the player’s transition. This will also be an opportunity for practice players to develop their skills since they get limited time in their mother club.

There is really a need for the pro league to expand, with the number of basketball talents this country produces. Having 10 teams, well 9 if you don’t count Gilas, only gives a small minority the opportunity to have basketball careers. Perhaps joining the D-league would be the chance for some companies to get their feet wet and get a feel of the benefits and the value of running a basketball team.

Good luck to the PBA and the D-League community!
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