For over three decades since its foundation in 1987, EPBL has continuously brought entertainment to the Filipino community and other expatriates in the form of basketball held in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. INTRODUCTION
Since its inaugural tournament in 1994, the Eastern Province Basketball League (EPBL) still remains at the forefront of staging the biggest, highly competitive, most suc
cessful and trusted basketball tournaments in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. This all-embracing philosophy of the league makes the EPBL a non-political forum that aims to cultivate sportsmanship, camaraderie, and goodwill transcending all peoples. ORIGIN
The EPBL traces its humble origins from the Al-Munira Basketball Players association (MBPA) of the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) which was then headed by Pete Catanjal, an expatriate from the Philippines. Under the guidance and advisorship of Mr. Rashid Al-Hatllan, the first Open Invitational Basketball tournament of the MBPA was held in 1987 at Saudi Aramco’s Al-Munirah Camp Gymnasium in Dhahran. During those times, basketball aficionados excitedly watched the games in a cramped state in this community-size basketball court. The limited capacity of the Al-Munirah Gymnasium plus the tight security at Aramco premises denied hundreds of spectators the chance to see these extravagant, yet eventful, games. Due to the success of MBPA in holding its initial ‘open’ tournament, succeeding basketball tournaments were held on an annual basis. In 1994, the eagerness of MBPA officers and volunteers to serve a wider range of basketball-loving populace in the Eastern Region resulted in the holding of subsequent tournaments in a bigger venue and with a larger number of participants, thus, the birth of the Eastern Province Basketball League. The EPBL settled at the Al-Ettifaq Club Gymnasium, Sports City Dammam, as its home. Like the MBPA, the EPBL’s popularity spreaded like a bush fire among throngs of basketball teams, players, supporters, and sponsors through the efforts of its early organizers. DIFFICULT TIMES
Just like any other organization, the EPBL encountered its most difficult times in 1997 till mid-1998. During this period the league temporarily moved to Al-Qadisiyah Club Gymnasium in Al-Khobar. Criticisms, harsh comments, and various charges and accusations from participating teams and observers were abound due to ineffective leadership. After Catanjal’s stint, the league almost came to the brink of collapse if not for the decisive move of its advisor, Mr. Rashid Al-Hatllan, and other EPBL officers ousting the leaders at that time. This monumental decision was heartily welcomed by the entire basketball community allowing EPBL to regain its integrity and stature. The amiable Lito Esteban who spearheaded the rejuvenation of the league became the Commissioner. It was during Esteban’s term that the EPBL Manual was instituted. ETHICS AND DISCIPLINE
One of the reasons for the long existence of the league is that it takes pride in policing its ranks. Self-discipline, dedication, honesty, and unquestionable commitment are required from its officers and members. Erring officers or members whose actions affect the integrity and high ethical standard of the league are reprimanded or dismissed from the organization. Teams and individuals that do not adhere to the set of rules and regulations are penalized or, worse, banned from joining any EPBL-sanctioned tournaments. The popularity of the league makes it an easy target for intrigues and rumors, malicious or otherwise. Minor and sensitive issues brought to the attention of the league are thoroughly discussed, analyzed, and resolved by the entire organization. All the members are consulted before decisions are handed down. LEADERSHIP
After a short stint at the helm, the amiable Lito Esteban turned-over the stewardship to the hardworking Edwin Caliboso, also a Filipino, who was unanimously voted for the job by the EPBL members in 1999. Caliboso’s objective is to send the rightful delegation into every basketball event outside the region that will carry the pride and true colors of basketeers of the entire Eastern Region. A succession of Commissioners ensued the following seasons. Jun Sanchez took over the helm in 2002 and relinquished the post to Santiago Ascutia in 2005 upon his return to the Philippines. Gil Garcia’s short stint happened when the long-time referee replaced Ascutia when the latter moved to Dubai, UAE. Ricky Piguing then became the first non-Aramcon to hold the leadership of EPBL. He held the position until 2009 when Sanchez returned to Saudi Arabia. COMPETITION
Starting in 1998, several basketball groups and organizations have joined forces and tried to follow and imitate the huge success of EPBL. Some even used false ‘causes’ to advance their personal interests and dupe teams to join their fold. More interesting is the fact that some of the personalities involved in these upstarts are former members of the EPBL that were, likewise, dismissed due to misdemeanors and various misconducts. Initially, they managed to recruit a number of rag-tag teams by staging their tournaments ahead of EPBL. This did not affect the prestige of the league since most of the teams recruited by the other leagues did not meet the standards of the EPBL anyway. Nevertheless, the league confronted the challenge and continued its unblemished integrity in holding well-organized and highly-prestigious basketball tournaments. However, after a while, these upstarts crumbled after failing to deliver on their promises. Even with these developments, the EPBL continues to uplift and maintain its tournament standards and will try to reach out to other smaller organizations to provide technical assistance whenever required. The advent of cable channels from the Philippines also affected the viewership of EPBL. The caliber of participating teams also dwindled. For a while, tournaments for premier teams have stopped. Despite these challenges, the league continued holding its tournaments albeit for lower-caliber teams only. In July 2013, the EPBL revived its tournaments for topnotch teams and continues to hold these premier event until today. To this day, the EPBL has regained its status as the most prestigious non-profit basketball organization in the region. OFF-COURT ASSISTANCE
Aside from providing an alternative form of entertainment to the public, particularly the expatriate communities, the league continues to help exceptionally talented players and community members find better job opportunities from basketball-loving companies and sponsors in the region. TOURNAMENTS
The EPBL normally conduct two tournaments each year. To maintain competitiveness among teams, each tournament is divided into two leagues, Open League (A, B, & C) and Intercompany. Games are being held every Fridays from 7:00AM – 5:30PM. COMMITMENT
Truly, EPBL had made basketball in the Eastern Province become more than just fun and sport. It has now turned into a passion…a continuing commitment…to serve the community. A commitment that the EPBL will carry for the coming years. INNOVATION
EPBL takes creative approach to equally benefit all participating teams, satisfy its fan base and honor its commitments to sponsors. Innovations include revisions to tournament ground rules to ensure balanced competition, issuance of a Conference Manual where all teams and players are featured, publishing the EPBL Chronicle – a weekly newsletter and Facebook Fan Page, providing Free Wi-Fi and free entry at the gymnasium, and owning the myepbl.com website.
