January kickoff for D-League’s fifth season

The kickoff of the next PBA D-League season has been pushed to January next year as the developmental tournament adjusted its schedule to the new UAAP calendar.

Since its inaugurals four years ago, the D-League got going just right after the end of collegiate basketball action in late October.

But with most universities shifting their academic calendar, the UAAP decided to move the season opener from July to September starting this year.

The basketball event of UAAP Season 78 will fire off on Sept. 5 and run until December, prompting the D-League to move its schedule since some teams not only tap UAAP standouts but also field school-based squads.

Other league events have likewise been rescheduled, including the Rookie Draft which will be held on Nov. 12. The deadline of application is set Oct. 23 for foreign players with Filipino roots and Oct. 29 for local-born aspirants.

Teams also have until Sept. 21 to submit a letter of intent to join the league.

While new champion Cafe France gets to celebrate its title romp longer, coach Egay Macaraya said it also poses a challenge for most teams.

“It will give us more time to form our team, but we’ll also need to keep developing our players,” said Macaraya.