MANILA, Philippines — The PG Flex Linoleum UCBL (Universities and Colleges Basketball League) presented by Vespa plunges back into action for its fifth season this week after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Sidelined by the COVID-19 crisis, the UCBL opens shop on Thursday at the Paco Arena pitting seven squads headlined by back-to-back champion Diliman College.
Earlier this year, the UCBL held a preseason tournament featuring UAAP and NCAA squads leading to a better, stronger, and fiercer Season 5.
“We’re both happy and fortunate to be back and start all over again. We want to start fresh and as we’re here for the long haul. We could have not done this without the trust and confidence of our member schools,” said UCBL president Franklin Evidente in yesterday’s official launch at the H2O Hotel.
“This is a new start. It’s anybody’s game in the UCBL with our seven teams including a newcomer. This will be a very good league for us,” added tournament director Horacio Lim, joined by PG Flex Linoleum owner Nelson Guevarra and Vespa general manager Bimbo Fontanilla.
That league neophyte is Guang Ming College based in Tagaytay City, with former UP Maroon Mo Gingerich as head coach, in a bid to give the seasoned squads a run for their own money.
Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas, Guang Ming College, University of Batangas, Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas and Olivarez College will see action on opening day.
Games will be livestreamed on Smart Sports and UCBL social media pages on Mondays and Thursdays for a double-round prelims until the finals in January 2023.