I am away for a short trip abroad and will resume my commentaries on issues of the day on my return. Meantime, presented below are some of the features and highlights of the 2011 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) National Collegiate Championship.
Sweet 16 Finalists
After the ongoing “mother league” competitions and the subsequent regional championships, the top 16 collegiate teams in the country will knock each other out in the Sweet 16 Finals phase of the 2011 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL).
The Sweet 16 Finalists include the top four teams of UAAP and NCAA, the top two teams of CESAFI (Cebu), the regional champions from North/Central Luzon, South Luzon-Bicol, Visayas Islands (except Cebu) and Mindanao and the top two qualifiers from Metro Manila leagues.
In 2010, the top 16 collegiate teams in the country were: Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles (2010 Champion); Adamson U Soaring Falcons; De La Salle U Green Archers; University of Cebu Webmasters; San Beda Red Lions; Far Eastern U Tamaraws; University of San Carlos Warriors; Mapua Cardinals; San Sebastian College Golden Stags; University of Visayas Green Lancers; Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers; University of Iloilo Wild Cats; National U Bulldogs; Letran Knights; University of the East Warriors Red Warriors; and Lyceum of the Phils. Pirates.
Sweet 16 Format
The Sweet 16 Finals has two levels, the step-ladder to the Final Four and the round robin Final Four where the top team after the round robin enjoys twice-to-beat advantage for the championship.
Automatically seeded to the Final Four are the UAAP and the NCAA champions. Joining them are the two survivors of the step-ladder competitions, the Southern Islands overall champion and the winner of the Luzon-Metro Manila bracket.
The chart showing how the different collegiate teams will reach the Sweet 16 Finals and eventually the championship round is published in the PCCL official website, www.CollegiateChampionsLeague.net.
The site also shows the different “mother leagues” that are participating in North-Central Luzon, South Luzon-Bicol, Visayas Islands, Mindanao and Metro Manila.
A truly nationwide search for national collegiate champion
With the sponsorship support of PLDT and Smart and the prize incentives provided by Manny V. Pangilinan, president of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the Champions League (PCCL) has grown during the past three years to be a truly nationwide search for the national collegiate champion.
PLDT and Smart provide the funding support that enables PCCL to conduct cross-border competitions. Top teams from Manila visit provinces to play against local teams and vice versa, top provincial teams/regional champions are given the opportunity to travel to Manila and compete with their Metro Manila counterparts. Thus, the Champions League has become a major component of the SBP grass root development program.
The Manuel V. Pangilinan Special Awards, on the other hand, provides incentive for outstanding performances. These awards are handed out at the end of the Champions League games to the Most Valuable Player of the games, the members of the mythical team, the Best Coach, the Best Performing Referees and to the provincial teams that capture the regional championships.
Other sponsors that are providing support to the Champions League are Molten Balls, FilOil Flying V, and media partners, ABS-CBN Sports and The Philippine Star.
Pick your choice of top UAAP and NCAA teams
PCCL has launched a survey to enable fans to show support for their favorite teams in the ongoing UAAP and NCAA competitions. Those who are able to pick the correct ranking of the top four teams after the first round of the UAAP and NCAA will receive gifts from PCCL sponsors.
To join simply log in at www.CollegiateChampionsLeague.net and fill up the survey forms. Deadline for submission is on July 31, 2011.
Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at reydgamboa@yahoo.com. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.