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2008 Masters Basketball League opening postponed
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Posted on Nov 10 2008
The opening of the 2008 Masters Basketball League has been moved later this month to give teams time to complete the caging requirements, according to MBL coordinator Arnold Mesa.
Mesa said they are planning to start the 2008 season of MBL on Nov. 25 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, as teams have yet to settle the entrance fee and other requirements.
The league was supposed to kick off last night, but in a meeting last week, organizers decided to postpone it pending discussions on rules and other matters related to the league.
Mesa said instead of the initial plan of having one division, the league will be holding competitions in two age groups, namely the 35-and-above and 40-and-above.
Earlier, Mesa said teams can have on their rosters only four players in the 35 to 39 age group. The remaining eight players must be in the 40-and-above age group.
But after a meeting attended by team representatives and officials from the Basketball Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, there was a consensus to have a separate competition for two age groups.
Also discussed at the meeting was the schedule of games, which are tentatively set for every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Mesa said two games will be played on weekdays, while they are planning to hold three matches every Saturday.
Mesa added he will be conducting clinics for teams interested in joining the MBL. The clinic will focus on educating players by the book using FIBA rules.
The league coordinator said having “by the book” knowledge about FIBA rules will lessen confusions/complains during games.
The 2008 season of the MBL will serve as a preparation for players who are interested in competing in the World Masters Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
Mesa said he is trying to form a team composed of players in the CNMI to represent the Commonwealth to the Sydney tournament.
“It will be a selection of players in the 35-and-above and 40-and-above age groups. It will be a great experience for CNMI players to compete in Sydney, as the World Masters will feature former world championship and Olympic veterans.
For more information about MBL, contact Mesa at 878-8679
