THE Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is determined to go back to its staple home-and-away format next year when it tries to stage a full season anew after the slated Chooks-to-Go-MPBL Invitational Tournament this year.
Given a better situation and more relaxed restrictions in 2022, the regional league that is set to turn professional soon said a full-swing comeback in June that has been its traditional season opener looms as a huge possibility.
The MPBL is also looking to hold a preseason tournament in Metro Manila in February that will run for up to three months to prepare the teams for a long trek in their return to a full season journey.
The league last held a complete tournament for the delayed 2019-2020 Lakan Season that was only finished in March this year under a full-bubble setting in Subic due to the pandemic.
For now, the league is finalizing details for the Invitational Tournament set on Dec. 11-21 featuring 22 teams led by Lakan Season champion Davao Occidental.
The Invitationals will follow a FIBA-type format for 10 days as MPBL’s test run before going pro under the monitoring of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB). — John Bryan Ulanday