Marikina Shoemasters
- Leagues Played
- Philippines MPBL 100 Philippines NBL 13 Philippines Metro BL 1
- Links
- Wikipedia
Results
| Philippines MPBL | 04/18 08:00 | - | San Juan Knights v Marikina Shoemasters | L | 101-73 | |
| Philippines MPBL | 04/15 10:00 | - | Marikina Shoemasters v Pampanga Giant Lanterns | L | 85-86 | |
| Philippines MPBL | 04/11 08:00 | - | Abra Weavers v Marikina Shoemasters | L | 97-85 | |
| Philippines MPBL | 10/13 10:00 | - | Pampanga Giant Lanterns v Marikina Shoemasters | L | 81-61 | |
| Philippines MPBL | 10/06 12:00 | - | Marikina Shoemasters v Pampanga Giant Lanterns | L | 70-82 | |
| Philippines MPBL | 10/03 12:00 | - | Quezon Huskers v Marikina Shoemakers | W | 70-73 | |
| Philippines MPBL | 09/26 10:00 | - | San Juan Knights v Marikina Shoemasters | W | 73-75 | |
| Philippines MPBL | 09/12 12:00 | - | Imus SV Squad v Marikina Shoemasters | L | 103-89 | |
| Philippines MPBL | 08/19 12:00 | - | Marikina Shoemasters v Bataan Risers | L | 73-76 | |
| Philippines MPBL | 08/15 12:00 | - | Bulacan Kuyas v Marikina Shoemasters | W | 73-118 | |
| Philippines MPBL | 08/07 08:00 | - | Bicol Volcanoes v Marikina Shoemasters | W | 59-100 | |
| Philippines MPBL | 08/02 08:00 | - | Oriental Mindoro Disiplinados v Marikina Shoemasters | W | 90-96 |
Wikipedia - Marikina Shoemasters
The Marikina Shoemasters are a Filipino professional basketball team based in Marikina. The team competes in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as a member of the league's North Division. They are one of three teams based in Metro Manila's Eastern District and play their home games at Marikina Sports Center.
The team began play as an expanion team fir the 2018–19 season. The name references Marikina's moniker as the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines".
The team has also participated in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3. In 2023, the Shoemasters launched its junior side, the Marikina Junior Shoemasters, for the inaugural season of the Junior MPBL. Later that same year, their women's volleyball counterpart, the Marikina Lady Shoemasters, began play in the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA).
History
2018–2020: Founding and initial struggles
The Marikina Shoemasters were established in 2018, as part of the MPBL's expansion lineup for the 2018–19 season. As part of the South Division, the Shoemasters, led by Yves Sazon and Erwin Sta. Maria, only managed to win eight games out of 25, putting the team at 11th place in the South.
Heading into the 2019–20 season, Marikina was realigned to the North Division, and despite keeping the same core players, the team still only won eight games in the 30-game season, putting the team at 13th in the North and missing the playoffs once again.
2022–present: Making the playoffs
The Shoemasters entered the 2022 season with a rebuilt roster led by Lorenzo Joson. Although the team only finished with an 8–13 record, it was enough to give Marikina its first playoff appearance. The team would then be swept by the undefeated Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the First Round. Although Joson would leave the team for General Santos in 2023, Marikina would add Felipe Chavez and collegiate player Marwin Dionisio alongside Joe Gomez de Liaño to its roster. Marikina went on to have a tough playoff race against the Bataan Risers, which Marikina won in the final week as they claimed the eighth seed once again. On top of that, Marikina finished 16–12, their first winning record in franchise history. In the playoffs, the Shoemasters would be swept by the top seed Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the First Round.
Marikina would also broaden its venture into sports development around this time. The Marikina Junior Shoemasters joined as part of the founding lineup of the youth-oriented Junior MPBL. Its women's volleyball counterpart, the Marikina Lady Shoemasters, was also established and will play in the inaugural season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA).
After the 2023 season, Elvis Tolentino departed Marikina after four seasons with the team, bringing his coaching duties to South Cotabato. Rysal Castro is set to succeed his role beginning in 2024.
The Marikina Shoemasters are known for their fast-paced and aggressive style of play, with a focus on strong defense and quick transitions. The team is led by head coach Elvis Tolentino, who has a wealth of experience coaching in various leagues in the Philippines.
The team's roster is composed of talented and hardworking players, many of whom are homegrown talents from Marikina and the surrounding areas. The team's star players include former PBA player Yves Sazon, sharpshooter Jondan Salvador, and versatile forward Jerrick Balanza.
The Marikina Shoemasters have a strong following among basketball fans in the Philippines, particularly in the Marikina area. The team's games are always well-attended, with fans cheering on their hometown heroes as they battle it out on the court. With their passion and dedication, the Marikina Shoemasters are poised to become one of the top teams in the MPBL and beyond.