CBA set to revive local commercial hoop

CEBU, Philippines - The time finally came for the resurrection of homegrown Cebuano basketball as different commercial entities and local government launched the 1st M. Lhuillier-Cebu Basketball Association (CBA) that will kick off on February 27.

Buoyed by their ardent desire to pump up life to the dying commercial hoops in Cebu, local stakeholders headed by Cebu City Councilor Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba expressed their elation in launching the tournament that will bring the sport not only to school varsity and commercial players but also to former collegiate cagers and out-of-school youth.

“Our aim is to have a basketball nga kadtong mga naka-graduate ug mga out-of-school youth makaduwa diri sa atong liga,” said Alcoseba during a press conference yesterday at the Yayoy's Grill and Resto Bar.

Eight teams have initially confirmed their participation in the CBA namely Asian College of Technology (ACT), La Fortuna Hotel, Salazar Colleges of Science Institute of Technology (SCSIT), Ave Maria Sanctuary Park, Gemmary Pawnshop, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, and Talisay City.

Aside from these teams, talks of other commercial and collegiate entries are expected for this 18-above competition.

“This time, we want a long-term commercial league and basketball association in Cebu,” said City Councilor and ACT founder Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa. “Mas nindot ni kay naa pud ta sa konseho uban ang mga konsehal sa uban pang syudad posibling makatabang sa financial nga aspect.”

Alcoseba added they will apply the FIBA rules and will be using the Liga Pilipinas format wherein teams earn corresponding points based on home-and-away system.

To add color, the league will also choose one “Game of the Week” that will be televised at a still undetermined network.

As main sponsor, M.Lhuillier Kwarta Padala pledged P200,000 in cash prizes for the winners, with the champion pocketing P100,000. The second to fourth will take home P50,000, P30,000 and P20,000, respectively. (FREEMAN)