THE PSL National Finals cast is now complete as five teams from the Visayas Regional Finals secured berths in the qualifying tournament for the first-ever Global Championship Challenge.
Four teams from Cebu and one from Ormoc advanced to the National Finals which will run from July 7 to 11 at Victoria Sports in Quezon City.
Emerging as champions in their respective divisions were Cebu-Khalifa (Born 2004), Cebu-USPF (Born 2008) and Cebu-GN Splasher (Born 2006).
But due to conflict in schedule with the Palarong Pambansa, Cebu's Born 2006 champion team won't be able to compete in the tournament.
Also earning spots in the National Finals were runners-up Cebu-Shirillin/Atty. Dico (Born 2004), Ormoc-OCCCI (Born 2008) and Cebu-USJR (Born 2006).
They will join the finalists in the previous regional events.
PBA legends activated for PSL
To continue strengthening its program, the PSL bolstered its leadership by tapping PBA legends for its basketball affairs.
PSL president Cris Bautista appointed PBA Hall of Famer Allan Caidic as commissioner, while his former Presto teammate Gerry Esplana acts as his deputy.
Caidic and Esplana were a winning combination on the court, having led Presto to the 1990 PBA All-Filipino Championship – with Caidic winning the season MVP, and Esplana being named the Rookie of the Year.
Deputy commissioners for each major island were also named – former Ginebra star Jayvee Gayoso handling Luzon, “Cebuano Hotshot” Dondon Hontiveros taking care of Visayas and the grand-slam winning PJ Simon heading Mindanao.
"We limited it to eight teams per region to compete in the Regional Finals. There were provinces which underwent qualifying events, yung iba naman, bumuo na lang ng selection nila to represent the province in the Regional Finals," Caidic said.
"Naglaro sila sa regional finals, then yung mga pumasok, derecho sila sa National Finals. It's very challenging, not just for us, but also for the other teams, logistics, finances and other stuff. But it's worth it."
'Global Challenge' to bring Young Pinoy Ballers Home
The PSL National Finals will serve as a qualifying tournament for the first ever Global Championship Challenge, the biggest basketball event organized by the fledgling league.
Some of the best Pinoy talents from the United States, Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Thailand will face the best of the Philippines in three age group categories – Under 16, Under 18, and Under 20.
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