The MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) has decided to scrap its pre-season tournament this year for member teams to focus on shoring up their respective rosters for the MPBL Seventh Season starting on March 8.

Last year's MPBL pocket invitational event was held Feb. 21-27 at the Lagao Gymnasium in Gen. Santos City with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns emerging as champions.

Pampanga swept its playoff opponents and became the MPBL's first back-to-back national champions.

MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said teams have until Feb. 1 to confirm their participation in the MPBL Seventh Season. The venue and pertinent details of the 10-month tournament will be known on or before Feb. 8.

The entry of Ilagan City, Isabela, which will formalize its membership on Feb. 1, and the return of Basilan, under new sponsor Starhorse Shipping Lines, are expected to swell the MPBL membership from the 29 which participated last year.

With the departure of back-to-back MVP Justine Baltazar, burly Brandon Ramirez, high-flyer MJ Garcia, crack guard Kurt Reyson, veteran Jeff Viernes and major contributor Encho Serrano from the Pampanga coop, a more balanced competition is foreseen in both the North and South Divisions.

Quezon Province, last year's losing finalist, remains a strong contender in the South along with MPBL inaugural titlist Batangas City.

PHOTO: MPBL

Former champions Nueva Ecija (2022) and San Juan (2019) are expected to crowd Pampanga at the top of the North Division together with rebuilding Abra.

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