IT'S all systems go for the country's premier collegiate basketball league, as the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup tips off this May 17.
The top collegiate teams from the UAAP and NCAA are set to wage war anew, as they ramp up preparations for the upcoming athletic season.
The University of the Philippines, winners of the last three preseason tilts, is coming in hungry with this new-look Fighting Maroons squad spearheaded by former UAAP Rookie of the Year Veejay Pre.
Reigning UAAP champion La Salle will also not be outdone, with Jacob Cortez and Mason Amos leading the Green Archers' charge.
Ateneo is then marking its return, with the Blue Eagles brandishing new faces led by blue-chip recruit Kieffer Alas.
Defending NCAA titlist San Beda is bannering the 'Grand Ol' League,' with Nygel Gonzales at the forefront of the Red Lions' pack.
Letran is flaunting a promising crew as well, with the Knights leaning once more on Titing Manalili.
Breath of fresh air
BJ Manalo has been named commissioner, supporting the legendary Joe Lipa in overseeing the premier preseason tourney which has Virgil Villavicencio as chairman, Bert dela Rosa as deputy commissioner, Bennett Palad as tournament director, and general manager Diana Layug.
"It's a wonderful privilege to be in touch with the current players and the current head coaches, and to have this chance to learn from coach Joe. This is special," said Manalo of his new role in this tilt which has ABC Tile Adhesive, Hanes, Wallem, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, BDO, Akari, and Tela.com Athletics as sponsors.
Teams will once again be distributed between leagues, with UAAP teams grouped together and the NCAA teams in the same bracket, all of which playing in a single-round robin format. The top four teams from each group progress to the crossover quarterfinals where the knockout rounds begin.
The one-game championship will be played on July 18.
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