Pro league exec lauds PSSBC governors

MANILA, Philippines — PBA commissioner Willie Marcial has lauded officials of the Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) for holding the annual “Battle of Champions,” saying they’re helping young basketball players realize their dreams.

“One good reason why we have so many exciting players is because we have a tournament like Battle of Champions which is serving as a perfect vehicle for our young ballers,” said the amiable PBA executive. “And we have to thank the godfathers (governors) of the tournament for their noble deeds.”

“My advice for these young ballers is to keep dreaming big and I’m sure some of them will be able to play in the PBA,” said Marcial.

The tournament now on its eighth season is chaired by Freego Jeans owner Eduard Tio, who succeeded Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que.

The other board members are Hapee Toothpaste’s Dr. Cecilio Pedro, Blackwater Sports’ Dioceldo Sy, IronCon Builder’s Jimi Lim, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum’s Jimmy dela Cruz, MEC Networks’ Leoncio Chua and Macbeth Underwear’s Rudy Yu.

Tio said the top four teams from the UAAP, NCAA, Fil-Chinese schools, and champions from the Visayas and the North will be playing in the six-day tournament also backed by Masumax Food Supplement, Cherrylume Roofing, SUMO GI Sheets, Choi Garden and Molten.

 The event, according to Edster Sy of the management committee, will have its press conference and coaches meeting today at ShaTin Courtyard in Quezon City.

Reigning titlist National University is hoping to become the first back-to-back champion of the event with NCAA champion San Beda as its potential rival.