Twelve teams have declared their interest to join the 2020 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, set to start on Feb. 13.
Eco Oil-DLSU headlines the list of prospective newcomers with a team built around a retooled Green Archer team that finished fifth in last year’s UAAP wars.
The other new teams are school-based squads Mapua and DLSU Dasmarinas, and club teams Paranaque City and Debantan Sports.
Meanwhile, Centro Escolar University and Marinerong Pilipino are motivated to make an impact this coming season after coming up short last year.
University of the Philippines is also making a comeback and is expected to draw a lot of interest.
The Maroons will be beefed up by Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero, and Bright Akhuetie.
UP made its debut in the developmental league in the 2016 Aspirants’ Cup, losing to Tanduay in the quarterfinals on that conference.
Completing the 12-team field are Ironcon-UST, Far Eastern University, Diliman College, and AMA Online Education.
Tournament Supervisor Mauro Bengua said participants have until Jan. 15 to pay their entry fees.
Bengua said the 2020 PBA D-League Draft is scheduled on January 20 at the PBA Office in Libis, Quezon City.