After two successful seasons of the PBA D-League, Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Chito Salud yesterday said a third season is now in the works and will open in October.
“The PBA D-League has met our expectations in as far as developing players and even coaches for the PBA,” said Salud, whose vision helped launch the amateur league early last year. “The upcoming PBA Draft should cement that further, with most of the top picks likely to come from those who had played in the PBA D-League the past two seasons.”
Fil-foreign players such as Cliff Hodge, Chris Ellis, Alex Mallari and Keith Jensen as well as homegrown aces like Vic Manuel, Calvin Abueva, Lester Alvarez, Garvo Lanete and several more PBA D-League stalwarts figure to be high picks during the annual PBA Draft slated on Aug. 19 at the Robinson’s Midtown in Manila.
Early indications point to the continued participation of several teams in the PBA D-League led by three-time champion Nlex Road Warriors, Cebuana Lhuillier, Big Chill, Blackwater Sports, Boracay Rum, Café France and the Cagayan Rising Suns.
“Our doors are open for new teams to participate — school teams, LGU-based teams and of course, companies who wish to invest in youth and sports development,” said Salud. “All they have to do is call or e-mail the PBA office and our staff would be happy to field inquiries about their possible participation in the PBA D-League so more players can be given exposure at this higher level of play.”  
The league can be reached through its e-mail ofpbadl@yahoo.com.