SIXTEEN teams will see action as the National Capital Region Athletic Association celebrates its silver season beginning Dec. 5 at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Newcomer University of Luzon will be tested right on opening day as it goes up against Asian Institute of Maritime Studies at 12 noon.
University of Luzon, a school based in Dagupan City, is one of the new participants competing in the silver season of the league along with AMA Computer College, New Era and Pamantasang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa.
Known as the Golden Tigers, University of Luzon will have to travel hours to face the Blue Sharks of AIMS, which is a stone’s throw away from the venue.
Another newcomer, AMA Computer, will also get its baptism of fire as it faces Philippine Merchant Maritime School at 2 p.m.
Although considered as a new member, the Titans of AMA Computer College being handled by Mark Herrera, is considered as one of the favorites in the tournament as it will parade a roster bannered by D-League players, headed by Andre Paras, son of PBA legend Benjie Paras.
The teams will be divided into two groups.
AIMS and UL will be in Group A, together with De Ocampo Memorial College, Olivarez College, Philippine School of Business Administration-Quezon City, Saint Francis of Assisi College, Technological Institute of the Philippines and New Era University, while AMA and PMMS are in Group B, alongside De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite, National College of Business and Arts, PATTS College of Aeronautics, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and University of Makati.
The teams will play a single round robin among themselves, with the top four in each group advancing to the knockout crossover quarterfinals. Both the semifinal and championship series will be best-of-three affairs.
Buddy Encarnado, a long-time basketball figure head of the Sta. Lucia Realtors both in the PBA and the old PABL, is the new general manager of the league while former Crispa Redmanizer Bai Cristobal will be the commissioner.
