‘Today’s heroes, tomorrow’s legends’ for NCAA season 90

Players gather during the NCAA season 90 kickoff party at the San Juan Arena on Saturday, June 14, 2014. CELEST FLORES

MANILA, Philippines — With just 14 days to go before the competition starts anew, the NCAA paid tribute to its “heroes”: the athletes.

The country’s oldest collegiate league kicked off its 90th season with a simple party for the athletes and coaches from both the juniors and seniors division on Saturday at the Arena in San Juan.

Hosted by Jose Rizal University, this season’s theme is “Today’s heroes, tomorrow’s legends; NCAA at Season 90: We Make History.”

“Allow me to congratulate you, for you made the team. This is a testament to your skills. You all proved that sports and academics can go well together. You are the heroes today,” said NCAA chairman Paul Supan from the host school as he addressed the athletes in attendance from all 10 schools.

“Thank you for making NCAA shine in the commercial, professional and international competition. Indeed you are legends. And to all of us, may we continue to strive for new records and feats for it us now our turn to make history.”

The season formally opens with the basketball competition on June 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Defending champion San Beda kicks off its campaign against JRU at 12 noon on opening day.

Bai Cristobal, the incoming commissioner for the entire hoops tournament, was also in attendance at the kick-off party.

Cristobal, a former Crispa star and former coach of San Sebastian and Perpetual, thanked the league for the huge task at hand.

“I can’t promise perfect officiating but what I can promise is fair play as far as technical is concerned,” he said in a brief speech.

“There are 3 elements if we want to achieve a good league. First are coaches and athletes, two is the technical and third is the organizer. I hope and I just pray that we can make this a successful if we work together as one.”