Since its foundation in 2017, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has featured some of the best professional basketball players in the country. From college standouts, ligang labas icons, to even ex-PBA stars, the MPBL hasn’t fallen short of bringing the best talents from all over the Philippines.
But, did you know there’s a handful of guys currently playing in the league that deserves to go to the oldest basketball league in Asia? We’re talking about the Philippine Basketball Association! Anyway, let’s dive into the best MPBL players whom we think have what it takes to play for a PBA team.
In this list, players who were drafted earlier this year (2024 PBA draft) won’t be included, so you definitely wouldn’t see names like Justine Baltazar and Mark Nonoy. That being said, here are the best MPBL players who can play in the PBA.
Encho Serrano
Given the right opportunity, Encho Serrano undoubtedly has the potential to be a solid player in the PBA. The 6-foot point guard can even be a starter on any team due to his athleticism, size, versatility, and basketball IQ.
During his stint with the Phoenix Super LPY Fuel Masters, Serrano was putting up great numbers consistently. He posted a nice stat line of 10.3 PPG, 2 APG, and 4 RPG, which goes to show that Serrano is a vital piece of the rotation.
Larry Muyang
Out of all the bigs in the MPBL right now, former Letran standout Larry Muyang is definitely one of those players who deserve a break in the PBA. Quick, agile, strong, and efficient. He may not be in the same category as June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar, this young big man is definitely a good starting center in a league run by point guards.
The 6-foot-6 center is still under Phoenix, but he’s also currently listed in Pampanga’s roster, so he technically fits the bill of an MPBL player who can really make an impact in both leagues. Plus, he’s also just 29 years old and very well in his prime. Teams like Phoenix, Magnolia, and Meralco would very much want someone like Muyang.
Jaycee Marcelino
The Zamboanga City Master Sardines is a team full of talented players, and one of those is the 2022 MPBL MVP, Jaycee Marcelino. This season, Marcelino averaged 20 points per game, clearing the competition as the league’s leading scorer.
However, the 29-year-old guard from Olongapo is more than just a lethal scorer. Aside from taking the scoring title this season, he also happens to be the leading player in terms of steals. At the end of season 6, Marcelino averaged 2.5 steals per game. An amazing two-way player like JC is what PBA coaches would want to field in the hardwood. Obviously, Marcelino fits that category.
Greg Slaughter
And the top name on our list is none other than Gregzilla. Need I say more?
At his age, Slaughter is still a serviceable center. After all, he’s a 7-footer with immense experience, both in the local and international scene. He may be paid more in MPBL, but he deserves to play in the PBA, especially given the kind of competition the league has now. The former PBA Best Player of the Conference may not be as dominant as he was during his heyday, but he is still a double-double machine who can give you more than 15 points, 10 rebounds, and a couple of blocks.
To be honest, there are still plenty of guys who deserve to have a spot in any roster in the PBA. You might think of players Orlan Wamar Jr., John Wilson, Robby Celiz, and more. But, even though they are undoubtedly talented and skilled ballers, the question is — Will they fit into the current playstyle and system of PBA teams? Are they willing to play lesser roles or as backups?
There’s already too much talent in the PBA right now, but these MPBL players have the highest chances of fairing against the best of the best.
