All set for 18th SHAABAA season

CEBU, Philippines - The green light is on for the formal opening of the 18th Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Season on July 21 at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu gym in Brgy. Canduman, Mandaue City.

"This will be our 18th season. We are very happy and we are going strong. We hope to have a fun-filled tournament," said incumbent SHAABAA president Marcelino Co during yesterday's weekly SCOOP-Cebu forum at Baseline Restaurant presided over by Robert "Bobby Knight" Inoferio, who is also the league's commissioner.    

A total of 10 teams led by defending champion Cebu Landmasters will slug it out for supremacy in this year's edition of Cebu's oldest existing alumni-based cage league.

The rest of the contenders are Golberry Suites, RDAK Transporter, Milco Fresh Eggs, Insular Square, Alberto's Pizza, Gaisano Capital, San Remigio Aguilas, San Jose Bakeshop, and A-Team.

"The games would be better this season because the teams are getting stronger," said Cebu Landmasters team captain Gino Reyes in downplaying their chances of retaining their title.

The competing squads will play a single round robin in the elimination, with the top eight advancing into the quarterfinals. The remaining four will again mix it up for the two final berths. The championship is a best-of-three series.

"I enjoin all alumni to come and support our league. We're looking forward to another exciting season," said Marcelino Co, who plans to add more sporting events for his fellow Sacred Heart alumni such as football, badminton, bowling and billiards as he wraps up his two-year term as SHAABAA prexy.

On the other hand, the selection of best muse and best in uniform will once again highlight the opening ceremony that will be graced by SHS-Ateneo de Cebu President Manny Uy, SJ.

Fr. Uy is also the president-elect of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI). He will formally assume his post when the CESAFI Season 13 opens on August 3 at the Cebu Coliseum.

 (FREEMAN)