THE Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) will hold the Chooks-To-Go MPBL Invitational Tournament from December 11 to 21, according to Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes.
Duremdes said the short tournament will be held either at the Caloocan Sports Complex, Ynares Sports Center (Antipolo) or Sta. Rosa Sports Complex (Laguna).
Duremdes said the tournament, upon instruction from league founder Senator Manny Pacquiao, will be managed by Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas.
Thirteen teams confirmed their participation. They are Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan season champion Davao Occidental Tigers, Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, Makati Super Crunch, GenSan Warriors, Caloocan Supremos, Sarangani Marlins, Rizal Golden Coolers-Xentro Mall, Marikina Shoemasters, Laguna Heroes, Bicol Volcanoes, Imus Bandera, Negros Mascuvados and a squad from Bacolod City.
“We will decide on the format once the roster of teams is completed,” Duremdes said. “This is just an invitational league, which is a preparation for next year’s full season.”
Duremdes said there will no longer be a height limit for Filipino-foreigners.
“As long as the player holds a Philippine passport, he can play,” he said.
Restrictions on the number of homegrown players and former professionals were also removed.
Duremdes also bared the league’s plans to turn pro and secure an accreditation from the International Basketball Federation.