RP women's basketball gets boost with revival of WPBL
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/16/2008 6:37 PM
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Women’s basketball in the Philippines will get a much-needed push with the return of the Women’s Philippine Basketball League (WPBL) this coming November.
“We’re happy that various sectors have come to support us in the revival of the women’s competition,” said PBL Chairman Dr. Mikee Romero in a report posted on www.philippinebasketballleague.org.
Romero and PBL Commissioner Chino Trinidad said that at least 10 teams have already confirmed their participation in WPBL, which was founded by business tycoon and basketball patron Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco 26 years ago.
“I hope others will follow so that women’s basketball will also grow as big as men’s basketball,” said Romero. “We need to have a strong program for women’s basketball just like in the US.”
Trinidad said regular teams in the PBL expressed commitment in helping the women’s league. He said some of the teams are now negotiating with some schools from the UAAP and NCAA.
“Our teams in the PBL are open for partnership with some universities. Some even want to tap Assumption or St. Scholastica as their partner school,” he said.
The women’s league will hold a tryout on Oct. 19 at the Jose Rizal University gym from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
The Ever Bilena team of Dioceldo Sy plans to defend the title it won during the last staging of the event in 1999.
Sy is reported to have been arranging another partnership with University of the Philippines while Romero’s Harbour Centre will have Far Eastern University as their tie-up.
Smart Sports, Godiva, Discovery Suite Hotel, Burger King, Bacchus and Pharex and Cojuangco’s San Miguel have already coordinated with various schools for possible partnerships.
“If we can sustain this project, then we have a good chance of scoring a golden double in the SEA Games in the event basketball will be reinstated from the sports calendar,” said Romero.
Trinidad said some corporations are also looking for possible tie-up with Ateneo, La Salle, Adamson, Lyceum and other alumni of various schools. The RP Girls Youth will also take part in the league as a separate team to enhance its hard court skills.
