THE NCAA is bringing the games straight to its students when it holds a basketball game at venues of member schools once a week starting this 93rd NCAA tournament unfolding on July 8 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
The league Policy Board made the announcement Friday during its turnover ceremony of hosting from San Beda last season to San Sebastian this year at the latter’s Mendiola campus.
“We just want to bring the league back to the schools and our students,” said league president Fr. Nemesio Tolentin, OAR.
With the new scheduling and venue format, the league will hold three games each during Tuesdays and Fridays, while reserving the Thursday playdate at the basketball courts of seven schools.
All seniors’ games will be aired live at ABS-CBN Sports and Action Channel.
Management Committee chairman Fr. Glynn Ortega, OAR, for his part, also named Arturo “Bai” Cristobal as its commissioner.
Cristobal will take over from last season’s commissioner Andy Jao the job he assumed the year before.
Ortega said the opening day game pits host San Sebastian against defending champion San Beda at 2 p.m. followed by the duel between last year’s runner-up Arellano University and Mapua at 4 p.m.
The opening ceremony is set at 12 noon.
Ortega said this season is the start of its celebration leading up to its centennial anniversary.
“The board has decided to start this year in setting the mood for the celebration of the NCAA’s 100 years,” said Ortega.