Sandugo-Collegiate Development League under way

MANILA, Philippines - College of St. Benilde squares off with Technological University of the Philippines in the opening of the first Sandugo-Collegiate Development League (CDL) Monday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia and commissioner Chito Loyzaga are the guests of honor in simple ceremonies kicking off the tournament, which features second teams of the NCAA and UAAP.

The basketball developmental program is organized by the LAN Sports and Events Inc. and backed by title sponsor Sandugo Sandals together with the PSC, Gatorade, Cramer Sports, Primovit Multivitamins, and Molten as the league’s official ball.

Other schools participating in the Sandugo-CDL’s inaugural tournament are Far Eastern U, Trinity University of Asia and STI.

Event director and LAN Sports and Events president Niño Sinco said the league “will provide a good opportunity to Team B players to develop themselves while playing in an organized league, at the same time that the varsity teams of other schools outside the NCAA and the UAAP will get the chance to play these major leagues ‘ players at a competitive level.”

“Outside of basketball, we are also looking at holding similar concept tournaments but in other sports like football,” Sinco said.

Loyzaga reiterated PSC’s support for sports developmental programs.

“This concept of organized tournaments featuring the schools’ training teams in the case of the NCAA and the UAAP against other lower ranked leagues’ varsity teams will definitely be win-win situations for both sides,” said Loyzaga.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the members of the Mythical Five will receive Caloy Loyzaga awards in honor of the basketball legend.

The six-week summer tournament will feature a single round elimination round format with a cross-over semifinals stage.

In the second game, Adamson U faces NCRAA champion Colegio de Sta. Monica.