SHAABAA Season 29 set to kick off on May 3

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 22 teams spread across three divisions will be seeing action in the 29th season of the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) set to start on May 3 at the Magis Eagles Arena of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

The new season of Cebu’s biggest and oldest alumni-based league was formally launched by the SHAABAA officials headed by chairman Jedd Ryan Go and president Jop Gallardo during their traditional Media Day over the weekend at  First 5 Sports Lounge and Cafe.

Also present were SHAABAA Board members Dr. Bimbo Tequillo, Dr. Andrew Eraso, Martin Dumon, Kit Gocela, Karl de Pio, and Steven Co, treasurer Lloyd Atillo, and commissioner Atty. Boyet Velez.

“One of our goals is the return of Division A this season and we’ve very happy we achieved it,” said Gallardo of the Batch 2001 Silver Jubilarians. “We are looking forward to a fun-filled yet highly competitive action on the court.” 

Division A is composed of Batch 2K Cares, Batch 2K Core Pacific, 2003, 1996, 2001, and SHS-AdC Faculty.

Slugging it out for the Division B crown are Batch 2004, 2012, 2005, 2010, 2008, 2013, and 2006.

Vying for supremacy in Division C are Batch 2018, 2025, 2024, 2021, 2014, 2022, 2015, and the youngest graduates from the Class of 2026.

They will play a single round robin, with the Top 6 in each division moving up to the next round of the three-month tournament.

The top two teams will earn an automatic entry to the semifinals while No.3 takes on No.6 and No.4 battles No.5 in the crossover quarterfinals.

The winners will advance to the semis and then to the division championship, which are both a best-of-three series.