PBL breaks one-year spell with 6-team cast

MANILA, Philippines - After a near one-year absence, the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) returns with six teams battling it out in the maiden conference starting next month.

Pharex, Agri Nurture Inc. (ANI), Excelroof and Cobra are back while newcomers Hobe Bihon and Cafe France complete the field in the country’s premier amateur league which opens shop on Feb. 26.

PBL chairman Ding Camua of Pharex yesterday made the announcement on the PBL’s return.

“We’re answering to the clamor to revive the PBL,” said Camua. “We recognize the need to bring the league back. We know there should be a middle league where the collegiate players can develop their skills further before turning pro.”

The rookie draft, slated on Feb. 5, is open to college players and amateurs born from 1984. Each team, however, is allowed to recruit two veterans with a maximum age of 30 (born 1981).

Rookie aspirants may e-mail [email protected] or contact 892-2231. Deadline for application is on Feb. 2.

“We’re looking forward to the continuous support of the PBA,” said Camua.

The first conference will feature a three-round eliminations and will run until May, just right before the collegiate season kicks off.

“We want the PBL to get back on its feet. We’re expecting to discover new talents like we did the past seasons. We’re also hoping to see more standouts from the provinces,” said Camua.

The last PBL conference was held March last year where Excelroof, composed of the core of former NCAA champion San Sebastian College, bagged the championship.