CBA stakeholders finalize tournament

CEBU, Philippines - All is set for the 1st M. Lhuillier-Cebu Basketball Association (CBA) that will kick off on February 27.

In their meeting yesterday at Yayoy's Grill and Resto Bar, Commissioner Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba with team owners, coaches and managers mapped out the final details regarding the month-long tournament that will follow a single round robin format.

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

Since Lapu-Lapu withdrew its participation in the league, the organizers are still expecting another team to fill-in the last slot.

 Alcoseba added they will apply the FIBA rules, but they will not anymore be using the Liga Pilipinas home-and-away system.

“Wala nay home-and-away format, we are now considering only three more venues like Cebu, Mandaue and Talisay City,” said Alcoseba.

 Meanwhile, since the varsity players from Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) are not allowed to play in the CBA, team managers and coaches will now rely not only on the veterans, but also the out-of-school youth cagers.

 “I am giving the teams until February 24 to submit their complete line-ups and player profile so that we can start scheduling the games,” added Alcoseba.

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

Aside from the Talisay headed by Councilor Rodi Cabigas and Mandaue headed by Atty. Hidelito Pascual, the Cebu City Sports Commission also gave their full support by adding another P200,000 in the prize money.

 This will increase the pot money pledged by M. Lhuillier for the top performing teams.

Thus, the champion will now receive P200,000, while the second to fourth will pocket, P100,000, P60,000 and P40,000. (FREEMAN)