WPBL: All set for a big comeback

MANILA, Oct. 13 (PNA) -- It looks like the Women’s Philippine Basketball League (WPBL) will have a grand comeback this year as the some of the country’s top corporations and colleges and universities have expressed interest in joining the tournament next month.

PBL Chairman Dr. Mikee Romero and Commissioner Chino Trinidad announced on Sunday that at least 10 teams have already confirmed their participation in the revival of the women’s competition in the country’s oldest amateur basketball league which was founded by business tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco of San Miguel Corporation 26 years ago.

“We’re happy that various sectors have come to support us in the revival of the women’s competition. I hope others will follow so that women’s basketball will also grow as big as the men’s basketball,” said Romero. “We need to have a strong program for women’s basketball just like in the US.”

Trinidad, on his part, said regular teams in the PBL are also committed to help the women’s league and some of them 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,” said Trinidad, adding that revival of women’s league is a big challenge for him and Romero.

To scout the players, the league will hold a tryout on Oct. 19 at the Jose Rizal University gym from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

Non-PBL members who wish to join the event can log on www.pbl.or.ph.

The Ever Bilena of Dioceldo Sy is keen to defend the title it won during the last staging of the event in 1999.

Sy, who served as chairman of the league for many years, is looking for another partnership with University of the Philippines while Romero’s Harbour Centre will have Far Eastern University as it tie-up.

Smart Sports, Godiva, Discovery Suite Hotel, Burger King, Bacchus and Pharex and Cojuangco’s San Miguel have already made representations 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 looking for possible tie-up with Ateneo, La Salle, Adamson, Lyceum and other alumni of various schools.