NCAA Season 101 officially kicks off on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with last season’s top finishers squaring off in a doubleheader that promises fireworks.
Defending seniors’ basketball champion Mapúa opens its title defense against Lyceum at 2:30 PM, immediately followed by a clash between runner-up College of St. Benilde and perennial powerhouse San Beda at 5:00 PM.
The curtain-raiser is preceded by an opening ceremony at 12 noon, featuring performances from Thea Astley, Hannah Precillas, Naya Ambi, and Aicelle Santos, alongside special remarks from Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.
“Unang araw palang giyera, labanan kaagad ng top four teams from last season,” said Jose Rizal University athletic director Paul Supan during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“Madaling tandaan — Season 101, October 1, 10-1. With this year’s theme, ‘Building Greatness,’ we look forward to nurturing student-athletes who can rise to the elite level.”
The league also announced that this season will introduce Olympic demonstration sports — gymnastics, weightlifting, boxing, and golf — scheduled for the second semester.
“The NCAA and PSC have partnered to develop grassroots athletes who could feed the national training pool,” noted Emilio Aguinaldo College Vice President for Administration Dr. Lorenzo Lorenzo.
The league is adopting a new format this year, beginning with a group stage.
Defending seniors’ champion Mapúa headlines Group A, joined by Lyceum, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, and Arellano University.
Meanwhile, Group B, dubbed the “Pool of Death,” features College of St. Benilde, San Beda, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Jose Rizal University, and Emilio Aguinaldo College — setting the stage for some early-season fireworks.
Juniors basketball, which will begin on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, will have the same groupings and schedule.
