Cage tourney among PBA legends set

MANILA, Philippines - Basketball fans get to see their hardcourt idols back in action when a tournament among former stars of the Philippine Basketball Association, dubbed the Legends Cup, comes off the wraps next year.

 “We created this league for our basketball stars to continue inspiring the youth, as well as give back to the community by participating in our advocacy centered on nation-building,” said Dick Balajadia, president of the organizing SportsLegends Managers, Inc.

The SportsLegends Managers, Inc. has tapped former Ginebra stalwart Chito Loyzaga as league commissioner and executive director to lead its advocacy program on disaster management.

Loyzaga was chosen to lead the direction of the new-born league not only because he is a basketball legend himself, but also for his vast experience in sports management as former commissioner of the UAAP and the Philippine Sports Commission

“Com. Chito (Loyzaga) is a prime proponent of people’s preparedness against disaster. We are one with him in this advocacy,” said Balajadia, whose family owns Lloyd Laboratories, one of the country’s top pharmaceutical firms.

Among the early players are Marlou Aquino, Alvin Patrimonio, Nelson Asaytono, Jerry Codiñera, Willie Miller, Kenneth Duremdez, Poch Juinio, Aris Dimaunahan and Johnedel Cardel.

The maiden conference is set to start in March next year with four teams competing in a double-round robin format. The top two teams after the eliminations will play in a cross-over semifinal round for the right to meet in a winner-take-all championship.

Two companies have already pledged their commitment to become team sponsors – one a fast-growing food supplement distribution company based in Davao and the other a premier oil company. Other supporters are Husqvarna Equipment, Goldlife Distribution Inc., Lesofat, Naturalle, Beach Hut, Fosera, CalCee and Chlorevita and a leading sportswear company as the official outfitter.

Details, participation: Tourney coordinator Malou Aquino, tel. No. 09212958860, Pilipinas Legends Cup facebook page. Corporate sponsors are also welcome and may contact 0928-2618028 or email [email protected].