Premier Cup boasts 19 squads, returns to TV

The 12th season of the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Premier Cup tips off on April 21 with a complete cast of NCAA and UAAP member schools. The 23 for 2023 Gilas Pilipinas cadets also join the now 19-team league.

For a great opening salvo, the rebounding DLSU Green Archers will face a promising UP Fighting Maroons squad at 4:30pm. For the marquee match, UAAP Season 80 champions Ateneo Blue Eagles take on the 23 for 2023 Gilas Pilipinas cadets at 6:30pm.

The Gilas cadets, who are current collegiate players, will have to prioritize playing for their home teams. They will only get to play for Gilas if their home team does not have a game on a game day.

The participating teams will be divided into two groups.

Group A is composed of the 23 for 2023 Gilas cadets, defending champions San Beda Red Lions, Ateneo Blue Eagles, De La Salle Green Archers, Mapua Cardinals, EAC Generals, Perpetual Altas, National University Bulldogs, UE Red Warriors, and UP Fighting Maroons.

Group B features the Adamson Soaring Falcons, Arellano Chiefs, Saint Benilde Blazers, Letran Knights, FEU Tamaraws, Lyceum Pirates, San Sebastian Golden Stags, JRU Heavy Bombers, UST Tigers.

The tournament will witness the debut of major developments in different teams.

Aldin Ayo will now coach for the UST Growling Tigers after transferring from La Salle. Former Perpetual Altas student-athlete Bright Akhuetie and NCAA Juniors MVP Will Gozum will make their debut in the loaded UP Fighting Maroons lineup. Blue chip rookie Dave Ildefonso from the Ateneo Blue Eaglets will also make his seniors debut with National University.

For added spectacle in the pre-season league, a one-on-one tournament will also be held during the halftime of every second game.

The twelve game days — including the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and the finals — will be televised by television partner, ESPN5. All games will be played at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.