GET ready to have varsity basketball overload starting September 7.
The UAAP Season 87 men's basketball games will be moving to primetime as they serve as the main events in the six-game on Wednesdays and weekends, scheduled at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The junior high school boys' (16-under) tournament will raise the curtain in the morning at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., with the women's basketball tournament following suit in the afternoon at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
But that's just for the first semester.
Second semester will see high school basketball in full swing, with the girls' tournament returning to be held alongside the boys' tourney.
The 3x3 tournament will cap the loaded basketball schedule by May 2025.
"Our primary objective is to continue raising the standards of amateur basketball," said UAAP basketball commissioner Xavy Nunag, who was retained alongside deputies Mariana Lopa for women and Marvin Bienvenida for high school.
Michael Villar and Lance Mandalano will also continue to serve as the media consultant and admin personnel, respectively.
The move to have the boys 16-under division play under the bright lights provides an early exposure for these student-athletes to high-level competition.
“Following the success of last season’s 16-under tournament, I’m thrilled that the boys will have the chance to play in big venues from a young age,” said Bienvenida.
“This experience is invaluable for their development as players, giving them a taste of the big stage and preparing them for the next level."
It's also a much awaited return for girls basketball, whose inaugural tournament was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago.
“I am excited that girls’ basketball is making its comeback,” said Lopa. “This is an excellent opportunity for young female student-athletes to grow and develop their skills before progressing to the collegiate level. It’s a positive step forward for women’s sports within the UAAP.”
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