"The invitation extended by the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) looks very enticing," wika ni MBA Business Development and Marketing Director Ramon A. Tuason. "Hence, we are studying all means to fit the Jones Cup into our calendar."
Ang MBA’s National Tournament ay magsisilbi bilang formal defense ng Batangas Blades sa pagdedepensa ng kanilang titulo na napagwagian noong nakaraang taon kontra sa RCPI Negros Slashers, 3-1. Ang nasabing laro ay nakatakdang magsimula sa Hunyo 15 na may doubleheader sa Olongapo City na magtatampok sa Osaka Pangasinan Waves vs Pampanga Stars sa unang laro at susubukan naman ng Blades ang host Olongapo Volunteers sa main game.
"Definitely, we want to send the best team possible because national pride is at stake here." paliwanag ni Tuason.
Kaugnay nito, isa si MBA Commissioner Joaquin "Chito" Loyzaga na pinarangalan ng Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa ginanap na ‘Salute To The Filipino Athlete’ na ginanap noong nakaraang Mayo 27 sa Westin Philippine Plaza. Si Loyzaga ay pinarangalan dahil sa kanyang partisipasyon sa pagsungkit ng silver medal ng Men’s basketball sa nakaraang 1990 Beijing Asian Games. Bahagi rin siya ng gold medal winning team ng 1978 Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) Junior Championship sa Manila.
" I can not describe the feeling of wearing the national colors. I think we should not deny the current generation of players the chance to also experience the feeling," masayang pahayag ni Loyzaga matapos tanggapin ang karangalan.