MBA mulls 10-team roster for 2002 season

Due to a growing interest of teams wanting to join the Metropolitan Basketball Association in its fifth season set to unfold in April, the league is mulling the possibility of adding two more ballclubs to its current eight-team roster.

"Socsargen has changed its mind and told the league it’s going to join again," said MBA commissioner Chito Loyzaga. "There are also other teams knocking at our door so there is a big chance we’ll add two more."

Loyzaga said Ben Solon, owner of the Socsargen Marlins franchise, has written him a formal letter indicating his intention of withdrawing the leave of absence he filed just after the 2001 season.

Solon, one of the founding board members of the league, said his sudden change of heart was caused by his desire to represent a city and a region like Socsargen as a reflection of how local townsfolk thrive on peace through sports.

"Mr. Ben Solon, who we all know is a staunch supporter of the MBA, wants to represent Socsargen again to let everyone know how people back there are peace and sports lovers," said Loyzaga.

Other ballclubs wanting to participate are Leyte and Samar from the South, Rizal, Baguio, Laoag City, Bulacan and Taguig in the North. — Joey Villar