Players from Quezon City district shine in MPBL

The Quezon City Black Bulls

MANILA, Philippines — Some hoopers from Quezon City’s First District are starting to create an impact in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) preseason tournament.

Representing the largest city in Metro Manila, the Black Bulls already won four of their six games.

One of the team’s owners, actor and sports aficionado Rep. Arjo Atayde (First District, Quezon City), thanked his players for not only representing their city but also for playing with pride and passion.

“We do not expect anything but to compete, and the players showed their competitive nature in this professional level of basketball league. So, amazed and thrilled. We are hoping to find more talents here in our district and city,” he said.

Atayde’s D1 basketball league has produced talented players such as Pat Buena, Ryan Arceo, Gab Salazar, Kenz Diokno, Joeben Loria, Jaydee Del Rosario, and MJ Joson, all of whom have delivered in the Black Bulls’ last three games.

The Black Bulls are coming off a close 80-79 win over Bataan through Joson’s double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds, plus seven assists and two steals, before pulling off a 70-69 squeaker over Batangas behind Buena’s 19 points.

“We came from inter-barangays in Quezon City’s First District, making marks in the MPBL and we are very thankful for the opportunity given by our Cong. Arjo (Atayde),” Buena said. “We must do whatever it takes to sustain our winning.”

The squad also won over Sarangani, 78-74, and Bacolod, 77-66, but suffered defeats to Abra, 73-88, and Biñan, 65-74.

Atayde, also a supporter of other sports like volleyball and combat sports, believes that it’s about time for the youth of Quezon City to engage in sports — not just basketball but also to other disciplines to promote camaraderie, discipline, teamwork and wellness.

“There are many young athletes in Quezon City, not only in basketball, who compete across the country and strive hard. We must help them achieve their dreams of becoming the best in their respective fields,” he added. (Contributed story)