1st Edgar Cokaliong Memorial Cup Basketball Tournament opens today

CEBU, Philippines — Four teams will battle it out for championship glory in the 1st Edgar Cokaliong Memorial Cup Basketball Tournament sponsored by Shell Pilipinas Corporation, which will kick off today (Wednesday, August 26) at the Don Edgar Stadium of Cokaliong Tower.

Action starts at 6 p.m.

The Shell-backed Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball Association (CECABA) All Stars led by Chester Cokaliong will go up against the Monday Hoopers supported by Anry Graphics, Toyota Mandaue North, and Wednesday Club of Eboy Tabz.

Cokaliong, a well known 3-point sharpshooter who at 65 years old can still showcase his sniping skills on the hardcourt with precision, will be joined by players from various CEC high school batches namely Joel Chan, Richard Yu, Dean Dy Teves, Joseph James Yu, Mark Ryan  Babor, Mark Eugene Bukiron, Paul Martin Gabatan, Jessie Magno, Harold James Tan, Marven Bauya, BJ Zosa, and Karl Tiu.

The Monday Hoopers are manned by Nario Salibay, Christian Dizon, Kyle Dizon, Roi Mata, Loling Abella, Jamel Eriso, Raj Advani, Mark Apa and Oliver Yguinto, while Toyota Mandaue North is composed of Marlon Lao, JP Batac, Jaymar Gapo, James Lan, Jason Estremos, Rodney Co, Diether Soco, Dionesio Espinosa, Jed Negro, and Ken Estenzo.

The Wednesday Club will be bannered by Allen Ceballos, Michael Viliran, Dexter Stella, Reil Young, Ebert Tero, Eboy Tabz, Iganmark Tadeta, Alvin Bustos, Jonel Camboanga, and Cyfandel Amora.

The inaugural Edgar Cokaliong Cup is held in honor of the patriarch of the Cokaliong family who laid the foundation in their textile business. His children expanded into the shipping industry, hotels, and self-storage facilities.

The tournament will follow a double round robin format. The Top 2 teams will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals. The winners will clash for the crown in a best-of-three series, while the losers will fight for third place in a knockout match. — (FREEMAN)