PCCL fetes Archers, top cagers, backers

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Collegiate Champions League yesterday feted college basketball’s best of the best, led by La Salle, the reigning UAAP titlist, which annexed the 2013 PCCL crown.

“We are honoring the La Salle Green Archers as the one national collegiate champion for 2013 and the best collegiate team among over 250 teams participating in over 35 mother league competitions nationwide,” said PCCL chair Reynaldo Gamboa in yesterday’s simple awards rites at ABS-CBN’s ELJ Building in Quezon City.

“We are also honoring those individuals, schools and entities, who contributed immensely to the continuing success of the annual search for the best collegiate teams nationwide,” he added.

La Salle was awarded with the Manuel V. Pangilinan Perpetual Bronze Sculpture, “Abutin ang Tagumpay” or symbol of collegiate basketball supremacy, which will be in their possession until another champion emerges.

Green Archers official Emmanuel Calanog, coach Juno Sauler and coaching staff members Allan Caidic and Jun Limpot and some school sports officials received the prestigious trophy.

“We’re greatly honored receiving this award,” said Sauler, whose wards beat upset-conscious Southwestern U of Cebu for the Champions League plum that capped a successful year for the Taft-based university.

The PCCL also honored San Beda skipper Rome dela Rosa with the Model National Collegiate Player for 2013 plum, the highest honor PCCL confers to a player for his exemplary conduct on and off the court.

Santo Tomas’ Clark Bautista received the honorable mention award.

“I dedicate this award to my teammates, the school and all the people who supported me,” said Dela Rosa, who has already completed his five-year tour of duty for the Lions and now playing for NLEX in the PBA D-League.

Gamboa also handed the Chairman’s Special Merit Award to Ambassador Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco and Ramon Villavicencio for their continuous support of the annual league while also thanking Meralco for its sponsorship of last season.