Kenneth Duremdes was one of the most successful Filipino professional basketball players in the country having played for 13 seasons in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) winning six championships.
Duremdes, whose father is from Dumangas, Iloilo, started his career with Sunkist Orange Juicers before moving to Alaska Aces, Sta. Lucia Realtors and Coca Cola Tigers, where he ended his PBA career as a playing coach.
Duremdes, who is known for his monicker of Captain Marbel (having born in Marbel City in South Cotabato) said one of the secrets to his long professional career was loving the fans.
“Ang maipapayo ko sa mga athletes, whether sa amateur or professional, they must love the fans at all times,” Duremdes said in an interview with Sports LANG podcast.
“Mahalaga ang mga fans kasi sila ang nagbubuhay sa mga athletes,” added Duremdes, who was a one-time PBA MVP, two-time finals MVP and two-time Best Player of the Conference awardee.
Duremdes admitted that it was not easy for him when he was recruited to play for the Adamson University Falcons as he has to adjust to Manila life just like any provincial student-athletes.
“Hindi siya madali, but determination is the key,” the 46-year-old Duremdes said. “As a provincial student-athlete, you must be ready to face challenges and must have a strong foundation.”
Following his retirement, Duremdes had a coaching gig with his alma mater Falcons before assuming as the commissioner of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), which he said he is proud of.
“Being a commissioner of the MPBL is challenging because you are dealing with different cultures,” Duremdes said. “But I am proud since the MPBL provides livelihood and is the steppingstone to the players who are planning to turn pro.”
“Two of the classic examples of MPBL players who made a name in PBA were NLEX Road Warriors’ Mike Ayonayon and Magnolia Hotshots’ Aris Dionisio,” he added.
Duremdes is hoping that the government will allow the resumption of the stalled 2019-2020 MPBL season.
The MPBL Lakan Cup was already in the division finals when the league decided to postpone its matches due to the coronavirus pandemic.
These games involving San Juan Knights-Go for Gold and Makati Super Crunch in the North Division and Davao Occidental Tigers-Cocolife and Basilan Steel-Jumbo Plastic in the South, will likely be disputed behind closed doors and in one venue.
“I am praying that IATF will approve our request for the resumption of MPBL,” Duremdes said. “If they approve the professional league, there is no reason that they cannot approve the amateur league provided that health protocols are being followed.”
“All these remaining games shall be held in one venue with no audience and players for the teams involved, as well as their officials, shall be quarantined in one facility throughout the series,” he added./PN
