MANILA, Philippines — The collegiate basketball leagues of the country are set to play under one roof for the first time this year in a three-day event set on December 11 to 13, at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City.
Dubbed as the “CHED All-Star Basketball Friendship Games 2024,” the event will be organized by the Commission on Higher Education, the government agency that oversees colleges and universities.
“The activity is in celebration of the International Basketball Week, which the CHED is celebrating,” said tournament director Rustico “Otie” Camangian.
“Having these tertiary-based associations will be a huge opportunity for the students not only showcase their talent, but to represent their respective schools as well,” he added.
The UAAP and the NCAA, as well as the other major collegiate leagues, will lead the participation.
The NCAA will be sending out an all-star squad led by Mythical Five members TJ Felebrico and Ato Barba.
Other players include EAC’s King Gurtiza, Perpetual Help’s Christian Pagaran, San Sebastian’s Paeng Are, and San Beda’s Yukien Andrada.
Meanwhile, the UE Red Warriors’ John Abate will lead the ragtag UAAP selection, along with FEU’s Adam Nakai and Jayden Jones, as well as La Salle’s Santi Romero, and NU’s Mark Parks and Sean Timbang.
The National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU), will be represented by an All-Star team, mainly from St. Clare College.
On the other hand, the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA), will have University of Northern Philippines at the helm.
Furthermore, Amando Cope College of Tabaco, Albay, will serve as the representative of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA), while Local Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (LCUAA) will have Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina as the representative.
An exhibition game will open the festivities — pitting a selection from the UAAP against the NCAA on Wednesday, December 11, at 10 am.
On the other hand, the four remaining squads will duke it out in a mini tournament, with SCUAA and PRISAA opening the face-off at 1 pm on Wednesday, and a contest pitting LCUAA against NAASCU at 3 pm.
Each collegiate team will then play two games each on Thursday, December 12, with the top two records advancing to the championship game on Friday, December 13, 10 am and the two remaining to the bronze medal match beforehand at 8 am.
Meanwhile, NCAA Management Committee member Fr. Vic Calvo, OP of Letran hopes that the CHED expand horizons and hold a National Tertiary Games similar to the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy, this time for college students. – Rappler.com