Battle of networks, school leagues looms next season

MANILA, Philippines - The NCAA is clashing head-on with the UAAP as the former decided to hold its basketball games the same days as that of the latter on a new television partner in TV5 through its sports channel AKTV on IBC 13.

“We’ll be holding our games on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays and we’re planning to add a game or two on a Sunday or just before the PBA games,” said new Management Committee chair Fr. Vic Calvo, OP, of Season 88 host Letran in yesterday’s turnover ceremony at the Muralla campus in Intramuros.

The NCAA has ended its decade-long partnership with ABS-CBN’s Studio 23 and will forge a three-year contract with AKTV on IBC 13 as its new TV coveror.

Aside from that, Calvo said they’re planning to hold out-of-town games this year and at venues owned by the members’ sister schools in the provinces to widen its fan base.

“Yes, we’re planning to do that because we want to live up and be true to our league name by going really national,” said Calvo. “By doing that, we will also have a chance to reach out to our alumni and supporters in the provinces.”

Meanwhile, league president and Letran rector-president Fr. Tamerlane Lana, OP, officially accepted the Season 88 hosting from Dr. Anthony Tamayo of last year’s Season 87 host Perpetual Help in simple rites at Letran’s St. Thomas’ Building.

“The coming NCAA season promises to be an exciting one,” said Lana, who also congratulated Tamayo for a job well done in hosting last year’s events.

Letran, which last hosted the league nine years ago, is using theme “Celebrate 88: Conquering New Glories,” underscoring the league’s move to compete with the UAAP in game days and viewership.

“Letran will definitely tread new frontier for the premier league, we’re all set to give new glories to the NCAA,” said Calvo.