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Former college stars to join WPBL tryout
(October 17, 2008)

Former and current stars of various colleges and universities are expected to join the open tryout of the Women’s Philippine Basketball League on Sunday at the Jose Rizal University gym.

“We expect a large of number of alumni of various schools to join the tryout. Some of our regular teams are now busy scouting for players for their respective teams,” said PBL Commissioner Chino Trinidad. “We hope to involve other companies and allow their players to join the league.”

To raise the level of competition, the WPBL has set a new age limit for prospective players so that those who are already employed by some companies can still play in the league.

According to PBL chairman Mikee Romero players who are not more than 28 years old are still eligible to play in the league.

“We want to have the best available players around so we have to set a new age limit, and besides this is our first time in so many years to hold this kind of tournament,” said Romero.

The revival of women’s competition is quite a huge challenge for Trinidad and Romero but the two are doing everything to make it as successful as it was held the last time 10 years ago.

“This is for the national interest and for the women’s cause and we’re doing it to give former college players the opportunity to play and have fun,” said Romero. “By playing in the tournament, we hope ex-RP team members can inspire the young ones to take up the sport seriously.”

Players who wish to join the tryout are advised to go to the JRU gym as early as 7 a.m. for further instructions. The tryout is set from 8.m. to 12 noon.

Far Eastern University will represent Romero’s Harbour Centre in the tournament set to reel off on Nov. 8 at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

Other members of the league – Hapee Toothpaste, Toyota Otis, Magnolia Purewater, Burger King, Pharex and Bacchus Energy Drink – are also joining the women’s competition.

Smart Sports of Manny V. Pangilinan, Ever Bilena of former PBL chairman Dioseldo Sy and Muscle Tape of former PBA coach Chito Narvasa have also expressed interest in joining the tournament along with the RP Youth and Women’s teams.

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