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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider MPBL seeks greater heights in Season 8

MPBL seeks greater heights in Season 8

Published Mar 25, 2026 04:43 pm

At A Glance

  • The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is banking on the arrival of rising stars to spice up the action when its eighth season fires off on April 10.
The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is banking on the arrival of rising stars to spice up the action when its eighth season fires off on April 10.
Coming off a successful Pre-Season Invitational which was ruled by the Abra Solid North Weavers, a 16-team field braces for an exciting tournament with top-notch rookies, including collegiate standouts Kean Baclaan, Kymani Ladi and Dom Escobar, who all playing for the Caloocan, entering the scene.
Ladi, who had a one-and-done stint with the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP, expressed his excitement of competing against professionals which he thought would be a big help for his development as a player.
“I’m excited. I think this would be a great opportunity for me to hone my game while I’m here,” said Ladi who will try to boost the Batang Kankaloo, a promising team that reached the MPBL North semifinals for three straight years. “Like I said before, I will just do my best just to help my team have a great campaign.”
Apart from Ladi, Baclaan and Escobar are also expected to bring excitement in the tournament that will run from April to December. Several veterans also signed up for their respective teams, like Alvin Pasaol (Parañaque), and Vic Manuel (Pangasinan), to list a few.
During the renewal of broadcast partnership between MPBL and Solar Sports, league founder and boxing Manny Pacquiao stressed his excitement for the coming season.
“It’s a great opportunity for MPBL and Solar Sports for this partnership, sana maging matagumpay at malago pa lalo ang coverage natin, para marami pang matulungan ‘tong liga, lumawak pa ang coverage sa tulong nila William and Wilson Tsieng,” said Pacquiao in a press conference at Solar Century Tower in Makati City Wednesday, March 25.
Dave Ildefonso and the Abra Solid North Weavers out to defend their first crown this year against the San Juan Knights, Davao Occidental Tigers, Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters, Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, and Quezon Huskers.

Related Tags

MPBL Manny Pacquiao Kymani Ladi Kean Baclaan
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