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| (Image Source: Facebook/Tanduay Athletics) |
The inaugural second conference of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball
League is already underway, and Tanduay Batangas Athletics has already kicked
off its campaign with a statement win over Quezon City in Caloocan. But their
first win is just the beginning of a longer and tougher road ahead for the
province's new pride and glory with a bigger competition poised to make an
impact in the league.
It has only been a few months since Batangas Athletics was hailed as
the champion of the league's Rajah Cup after beating the odds over the
Muntinlupa Cagers in four thrilling games. Now, the team's unwavering journey
towards their second championship may be on deep trouble with the league's expansion
increasing the number of participating teams from only ten to now 26 with some coming
from different parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao who are gunning to have
their own piece of glory in the league. Fortunately, it is the only thing that
stands in their way throughout the MPBL Datu Cup.
Prior to the start of the Datu Cup, one major issue that has bothered
the local basketball league is its imposed rule of having one import per team
which has received mixed reactions from local critics and players alike.
However, this did not hinder Batangas since the team doesn't need to have an
import on their roster. And for those who are concerned about the league's policy
on imports, then you should just forget it because MPBL founder and eight-time
Filipino world boxing champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao has already stated that it
is not time for foreign imports to showcase themselves in the league considering
that MPBL has already enjoyed its own success in only a few months due to the
overwhelming support of the Filipino audience either on playing venues,
television sets or Facebook.
Anyway, Tanduay Batangas Athletics is already considered one team to be
reckoned with in the MPBL Datu Cup as proven by its first win and a taste of
championship glory. We'll just see in the coming weeks and months ahead when
will the journey reach its end. For now, let's just wish Tanduay Batangas
Athletics the best of luck in their upcoming home and away games.
