NBL opens first tourney May 15

The National Basketball League, envisioned to be the breeding ground of future national players, opens its inaugural conference May 15 at the UST gym.

The giant network ABS-CBN has been tapped to televise the games nationwide, including the short opening ceremony which will precede the first game, between Fil-Estate-UST and FedEx-PSBA at 1 p.m.

Supported by the Basketball Association of the Philippines, NBL will feature six school teams, all of which has a corporate backer.

Other teams entered are Belle Corporation-San Sebastian College, Boysen-MLQ University, Jas Page 1441-Lyceum and Healthy Options-St. Benilde.

NBL president Christian Tan said the games, projected to run up to July 16, would be on a school and away basis.

Tournament format requires double-round eliminations with the top four advancing to the semifinals. The winners of the crossover semis will clash for the title with the losers figuring in a one-game battle for third place.

In line with its commitment to develop well-rounded individuals, the NBL will allow only collegiate players who are academically eligible and are under 23 years old. Each team is allowed 15 players, five of which can be members or former members of the national team.

Tan said the tournament would use the FIBA rules so that the players won't have any trouble adjusting to international play.

The NBL, through Tan, commissioner Fritz Gaston and chair Willy Ocier, is set to forge an agreement with the BAP to allow its players to be tapped for Philippine teams.

BAP president Freddie Jalasco and secretary general Graham Lim said the entry of NBL would benefit young players, enabling them to earn money without disrupting their studies.