Star-studded will be the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ debut in its new television partner Cignal.
Breaking the norm, Cignal will be tapping 12 former UAAP products to serve as analysts for its broadcast.
Headlining the analyst team is former Ateneo head coach Norman Black. Black, who currently is the head coach of Meralco, steered the Blue Eagles to five championships in the UAAP from seasons 71-75.
Other Ateneo products called up by the station are Larry Fonacier, LA Tenorio, Isaac Go, and Bacon Austria.
La Salle products Luigi Trillo, Jason Webb, Willy Wilson, and Jvee Casio will also be in the booth during games.
University of Santo Tomas’ Dylan Ababou and University of the Philippines’ Allan Gregorio, Diego Dario, Jett Manuel, and Gelo Vito were also tapped.
Serving as anchors are carryovers from previous station Studio 23/ABS-CBN S+A in Jude Turcuato, Boom Gonzalez, Mico Halili, Nikko Ramos, and Bea Daez-Fabros.
Former courtside reporters Jaime Ascalon, Dyp Dypiangco, and Migs Gomez are now ready to lead the booth.
Also set to make their UAAP debuts are Yoyo Sarmenta — son of legendary commentator Sev — and Kobe Dayao.
This time around, the courtside reports will now be called correspondents.
Reporting for their respective schools are Ara Pulido (Adamson), Denise Valdesancho (UST), Belle Gregorio (NU), Doreen Suaybaguio (UP), Gab Reyes (UE), Julia Vargas (Ateneo), Janine Sakall (FEU), and Martina Lao (DLSU).
They will be supported by Arlove De Jesus (FEU), Andrea Endicio (UST ), Bea Javate (Ateneo), EJ Amante (Ateneo), Fiona Bacani (UP), Kaila Dy (DLSU), Jac Macasaet (Ateneo), Lexi Rodriguez (Ateneo), Ozzie Llige (DLSU), and Zand Bajarias (UP).
All of the member schools will compete in each gameday starting on Saturday.
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All UAAP games stream live on GigaPlay presented by Yamaha. Download it now on Android or IOS.