Engr. Rey Sanchez of ATC Sports and NAASCU chair Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem field questions during a meeting with media. RANDOLPH LEONGSON/INQUIRER.net
Powerhouse Centro Escolar University (CEU) begins its title defense in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (NAASCU) as the league kicks off its 15th season on September 4 at Cuneta Astrodome.
The Scorpions, led by PBA D-League champion coach Egay Macaraya, will open their season against this year’s hosts New Era University Hunters in the curtain-raiser following the short opening ceremonies at 10 a.m.
NAASCU chair Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem shared his excitement with the upcoming season, with the theme “Education Through Sports.”
“We’re now inching with the two big leagues. I think this year will be our best year and this year will be very big,” he said in the weekly PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate on Tuesday.
Philippine Christian University (PCU) will also mark its second year with the league, as the Dolphins begin their season against the City University of Pasay Eagles in the second game of the opening twin bill.
Other teams which are vying for the title are St. Clare College, Diliman Colleges, Our Lady of Fatima University, and Rizal Technological University (RTU), with the games being held at Cuneta Astrodome and Makati Coliseum.
The league has also struck a five-year TV deal with ATC Sports which would allow the games being shown on a delayed basis at 7 p.m. every Mondays and Thursdays.
“The TV coverage is not new to us, but it’s better because we have a partner that is more experienced in delivering sports coverages,” Adalem said.