UCBL braces for busy maiden season

MANILA, Philippines - With seven inaugural teams in the fold and a couple more knocking on the door, the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) raises its curtains on Oct. 8 at the Olivarez Coliseum in Sucat, Parañaque.

Franklin Evidente, UCBL president, said during yesterday’s press launch at the Bayleaf Hotel that this could be the start of something big.

“We are the UCBL and it’s our time to shine,” said Evidente before fellow UCBL officials and representatives of the seven participating schools and members of the media.

“We’d like to call these seven competing teams the ‘Magnificent Seven,’” he said.

The Universities and Colleges Athletic League, Inc. (UCAL) created the UCBL as its launching pad for an even bigger project that should benefit the different schools nationwide.

Evidente said there are already a number of school-based leagues. But even two of the most popular ones cannot cater to more than 16 schools.

“There are about 220 universities and colleges nationwide and 140 of them are in Metro Manila. The UCBL is here to provide a venue for the others to parade their talents,” said Evidente.

Already in for the inaugural season are Bulacan State University, Centro Escolar University, Colegio de San Lorenzo, Diliman College, Technological Institute of the Philippines, University of Batangas and Olivarez College, which will host the games on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The games will be aired over IBC 13 on game days from 8 p.m. till midnight.

Horacio Lim, tournament director, said even before the inaugural season comes off the wraps, two schools tried to catch the last bus but were told to put their plans on hold.

“When they tried to get in, we were all set, from the schedule of the games to the broadcast deals. We hope to include the additional teams next year and that these seven teams stick with us,” he said.