MPBL Top Players: Standouts from 2026 Opening Weekend

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) started its season this April with a lot of excitement, bringing together seasoned veterans and impressive rookies. Fans filled the Alonte Sports Arena and Caloocan Sports Complex to see the top teams in action. As teams aimed to make an early impact, several players stood out for their clubs.

The first games show the league is more competitive this year because of new college talent. Early matches had big wins and high scores, with teams featuring star newcomers moving up the rankings. Former University of the Philippines (UP) players and returning veterans both made strong cases for early awards. This weekend showed how new and experienced players are working together as teams adjust their lineups.

The improved level of play matches the pressure from the new best-of-seven finals format. With each of the 27 regular-season games now carrying more weight, early standout players have shown they are ready for a challenging season.

The Manzo Masterclass in Biñan

Jun Manzo led the Cebu Greats to a win over the Rizal Golden Coolers with 29 points, including five three-pointers, showing why he remains one of the league’s top playmakers. His scoring and control helped turn a close halftime lead into an 81-65 victory.

Manzo also added three rebounds and three assists, leading the offense as Cebu pulled ahead. Paul Desiderio and Wowie Escosio each scored 11 points, but it was Manzo’s efficient play that drove the Greats’ big win.

San Juan Knights Assert North Division Dominance

The San Juan Knights beat Pasay, 90-61, with Gerry Abadiano leading the team. He scored 14 points and made three three-pointers, giving San Juan the outside shooting they needed to break down Pasay’s defense.

San Juan’s depth showed as Dexter Maiquez and Michael Calisaan combined for 21 points. A strong fourth-quarter run, capped by threes from Orlan Wamar and Rey Hugnatan, sealed the win. The Knights’ mix of young talent and experience shows they are aiming for the title.

Standout Performances Across the League

While Manzo and Abadiano got most of the attention, several other players also had strong season debuts:

• Laurenz Victoria and JP Maguliano each scored 11 points for Rizal, helping keep their team in the game early, even though they lost to Cebu.

• Top rookie Kean Baclaan helped Batang Kankaloo secure an 89-63 win over the Quezon City Black Bulls.

• Abra Weavers Frontcourt: After winning the Preseason Invitational, Drex Delos Reyes and Tucker Molina are expected to control the paint as the Weavers look to defend their championship.

Early Season Trajectory

The arrival of UAAP and NCAA players has made early games faster and more athletic. Teams like Caloocan and San Juan have recruited aggressively to take advantage of the rookie wave and improve their early results. In the South Division, teams like Batangas City Athletics and Bacolod Masskara have relied on their experienced lineups for steady starts. So far, the "Rookie Takeover" is making games faster and changing the standings, giving veterans tough competition.

With 28 teams playing in a single round-robin format, there is little room for mistakes. Players who continue their strong start from opening weekend could be in the MVP race by mid-season.

The Road Ahead for the 2026 Season

The first weekend showed that teams will need depth and flexibility to succeed in the 2026 MPBL season. With new President Kenneth Duremdes, the league remains focused on top-level play. As teams like Abra and Quezon join in, the competition could get even tougher. With the regular season running through October, the fight for the top eight spots in each division is just beginning, and the competition is already fierce.

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