THE YOUNG rosters of school-based teams still pose a threat even as the PBA D-League raised the age limit this season.
Several coaches said team chemistry may work in favor of the five squads boasting varsity standouts when the Aspirants’ Cup gets going on Jan. 21 at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
“Nothing still beats preparation and time together,” Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson said of the five young teams. “It’s hard to go up against those teams.”
This season will parade players as young as 17 and as old as 30 after the league raised the age limit from 28 years old.
Newly-crowned UAAP champion Far Eastern University, which will carry the name Phoenix Petroleum, leads the varsity pack along with last conference’s winner Cafe France-Centro Escolar University.
“We’ll have nine players from our UAAP lineup,” FEU coach Nash Racela said of his Tamaraws, who will be bannered by the star trio of Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia and Roger Pogoy.
University of the Philippines-QRS/Jam Liner, BDO-National University and AMA University Online Education round out the school-based teams.
The new season tips off with Caida Tiles (formerly Racal/KeraMix) and Tanduay Rhum battling at 2 p.m., followed by the 4 p.m. clash between University of the Philippines-QRS/Jam Liner and BDO-National University.
Also competing in the nine-team field are newcomer Mindanao Aguilas and Wangs Basketball.