Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup brings back 1x1 cagefest

MANILA, Philippines – The Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup is reintroducing an old tournament that was once played in the UAAP – the One-on-One competition – now called, the Hanes 1-On-1 King of the Hardcourt.

“We were looking to add something to the tournament this year, and we initially thought of the 3x3 since it is now popular and an Olympic sport,” said tournament director Bennett Palad. “But the coaches were worried about injuries to their players. So we opted for one-on-one competition.”

Palad, who played for UST, was the first seniors one-on-one champion of the UAAP in 1985 while the juniors winner was Jayvee Gayoso of Ateneo.

Taking part in the competition are La Salle’s Miggy Corteza, UP’s Evyn Santiago, NU’s John Lloyd Clemente, UST’s Jordan Sta. Ana, FEU’s Mike Casiño, UE’s Christopher Conner, Letran’s Jeremiah Taladua, Mapua’s Daniel Aguirre, Lyceum’s Yancy Remulla, EAC’s Sean Neri, San Beda’s Kenneth Mocon, Arellano’s Maui Sera-Josef, San Sebastian’s Kevin Baytan, College of St. Benilde’s Prince Carlos, JRU’s Jed Mendoza, and Ateneo’s Jason Credo.

For the competition, the mechanics are as follows:

The first player to score 15 points or whoever has the highest score after 7 minutes is the winner.
Players allowed only one timeout.
Each possession has a 14-second shot clock.
A player is allowed three fouls after which, the opponent shoots free throws.
One free throw = One point
Two-point shot = two points
Three-point shot = Three points
Alternate ball possession after each basket.
Running time except during free throws or time out.

The players are divided into four groups:

Group A: La Salle, Lyceum, Letran, and UP
Group B: UST, EAC, NU, and Mapua
Group C: FEU, AU, CSB, and SBU
Group D: JRU, UE, Ateneo, and SSCR

Every match is a sudden death affair. Each cager will play one game against another from the same group. The winners of each of the group games will battle to determine who will advance to the semi-final round that is a crossover encounter with winners from the other groups. The last player standing wins a P20,000 cash prize from Hanes. 

“We believe that this will enhance the tournament,” summed up Palad.