May 30, 2014
4 p.m.
Friday,
Rizal Memorial Sports Complex,
Vito Cruz,
Manila
This year, it’s going to be a long basketball season for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines in season 77.
For the last 76 years, basketball competitions have always been confined in the first semester.
Not anymore.
This is what I have learned way before veteran television analyst Andy Jao has been officially as commissioner of the basketball for Season 77 of the UAAP.
Jao got the approval of the UAAP board on Friday, May 30, UAAP secretary-treasurer Rodrigo Roque of host University of the East.
Roque told me after the meeting that he has began the process of writing and editing season 77 schedule of games, which to me, could be the longest on record in the league.
– HOW IS THIS SO?
The seniors basketball tournament officially begins on July 12.
But, it will be held separately from the junior basketball competitions.
For the first time ever, the junior cagefest, has been moved to the second semester, and is expected to start in December.
Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena and National University’s Lorenzo Battad chase each other during a junior basketball game in season 76 of the UAAP. Photo courtesy sourced from UAAP sport.TV, Arvin Lim).
As for women’s basketball, the schedule will remain as is and will stay in the first semester.
As for Mr. Jao, he is a former commissioner of the Philippine Basketball League.
He took the job after another prospect Chino Trinidad was not confirmed for the post.
This will be Jao’s second stint as UAAP commissioner in three years after he last held it in 2011 when Ateneo was the host.
On the other hand, Roque said reason the board decided to move the schedule of the high school games away from the collegiate basketball tournament so that they will be able to give junior cage players the needed exposure.
(another piece of action in the 76th UAAP junior basketball)
This has also affected the sport of volleyball.
The schedule of the junior volleyball competitions is now moved to the first semester in July.
Usually, the play it in the second semester, along with the men’s and women’s volleyball games.
“Kasabay nila ang collegiate basketball, ganun din ang sa volleyball. Kaya, no exposure. That’s why we moved the schedule,” stated Roque.
And so, host UE will play University of the Philippines in the first game at 2 p.m. while defending champion La Salle clashes with Far Eastern University at 4 p.m.
The season, which will bear the theme, “ Unity in Excellence,” starts following an opening ceremony which promises to thrill the audience at around around 12 nn.
Performances which will be directed by renowned choreographer Gener Caringal is expected to spice the opening rites.
Pektus Corner 