To be called the greatest, one has to beat the best or one of the greatest. Such a cliché could not be more correct than in sports, particularly collegiate basketball, where there are just too many teams and leagues, making it difficult to name the real king of college hoops.
Hence, the Collegiate Champions League (CCL), now on its fifth year brings us closer to that goal as it once more brings together the cream of the crop among collegiate basketball teams nationwide and provide a fitting climax to the wild and wooly collegiate basketball season.
With the full support extended by Basketball Association of the Philippines-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP), the governing body for basketball in the country, CCL organizes and manages the Collegiate National Championship as part of its contribution towards the promotion and development of collegiate basketball.
The objective is to bring together not just the much hyped teams from Metro Manila-based leagues such as the NCAA and UAAP but also equally talented teams from other leagues in and around Metro-Manila and from basketball hotbeds in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Aiming higher
BAP-SBP officials headed by its chairman, M. V. Pangi-linan, and executive director, Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, expressed their full support to the initiatives of CCL.
Chairman Pangilinan was of the view that collegiate teams should look beyond just winning the championship of their respective leagues but must aim higher, and go forth and be the national collegiate champion.
The CCL, through the Collegiate National Championship, is the organized and competitive avenue of college basketball teams from different leagues, regions and provinces for renewed rivalries.
A more fitting gauge of the team’s strength and skills is the ability to measure up to the challenge of other rivals beyond their borders. That’s what CCL’s Collegiate National Championship is all about. Gather the best, and pick the best among the best.
The tough tournament format makes each game an explosive must-win situation for all teams – no time for loafing around or resting on one’s laurels. The teams will compete in a knock-out format where a single loss will send the loser packing for home.
‘Sweet 16’ action starts Nov 10
Action kicks off on Nov. 10 with each and every game supervised and handled by Commissioner Chino Trinidad and his well-trained technical staff. Trinidad is the current commissioner of the long-running Philippine Basketball League.
The teams invited to form the elite “sweet 16” are De La Salle Green Archers, UE Red Warriors, Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles, UST Growling Tigers, FEU Tamaraws, San Beda Red Lions, Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, Mapua Cardinals, San Sebastian College Stags, STI College Olympians, Manuel L. Quezon University Stallions, Lyceum University Pirates, University of the Visayas Green Lancers, West Negros College Mustangs, Sacred Heart College of Tacloban Stallions and the champion from the Davao collegiate league to represent Mindanao (still being contested).
With such a cast, one can easily make up several interesting scenarios and match-ups that will provide drama and excitement in the Collegiate National Championship games.
There are many sub-plots and questions waiting to be answered, like: Would the Red Warriors bounce back from their bitter setback to the Green Archers? Would the Red Lions with Nigerian Sam Ekwe in tow dominate UAAP champ DLSU and/or vice versa? Would the UST Tigers regain lost pride after being dethroned as UAAP champions? Or would Cebu’s UV Lancers or any other Vis-Min-based team flex their Southern brand of basketball and humble proud teams from the Big City.
Filoil Flying V scholarships
Fil-Oil/Flying V Sports and the Villavicencio group of companies are the main sponsors of major prizes awaiting the champion of champions and three runners-up.
The 2007 Collegiate National Champion, aside from having bragging rights as the ultimate, the best collegiate cage team in the land, will also receive P500,000 from Fil-Oil/Flying V to benefit the school’s sports/athletic programs.
The second, third and fourth placers would not go empty handed as they will also receive a generous scholarship package from Fil-Oil/Flying V amounting to P200,000, P100,000 and P50,000, respectively.
Smart special awards
For this year’s CCL competition, BAP-SBP Chairman Pangilinan offered additional prizes for outstanding team and individual performances. These “Smart Special Awards” are for: Most Valuable Player (M.V. Pangilinan Cup Awardee), Members of Mythical teams (Team A and Team B), Best Defensive Team, Coach of the Series and Best Performing Referee.
The “Best Performing Referee” is the first of its kind to be awarded, and recognizes the importance of good officiating. Commissioner Chino Trinidad believes that this will enhance further the performance rating system that they have been adopting at PBL.
Friendly rivalries
Collegiate basketball fans are in for a treat as teams now belonging to different “mother leagues” renew old rivalries. There are also other interesting match-ups looming as the annual bringing together of the best collegiate teams from various leagues, provinces and regions start on 10th November at the Ninoy Aquino stadium.
And in recognition of the mission and vision of the CCL, Solar Entertainment thru Basketball TV, is again airing the games for collegiate cage fans to witness and enjoy the enthusiasm and competitive spirit displayed as players play their hearts out for their respective alma mater.
‘Pag-usapan Natin’ at IBC-TV 13
Watch “Pag-usapan Natin,” a segment of the IBC-TV 13 news program News Tonite, from 10:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Mondays to Fridays) as we discuss issues that have relevance to our everyday living. Viewers may send their comments to Sunshine Television c/o Valle Verde Country Club, Pasig City.
Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at reydgamboa@yahoo.com.