NAASCU draws record membership, eyes bigger exposure

MANILA, Philippines – With expanded TV coverage and the biggest membership so far, the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) hopes to be at par with other more popular collegiate leagues like the UAAP and NCAA.

Now on its 16th season, the NAASCU is set for major exposure with media coverage by Solar Sports and BTV.

"(This is the) biggest membership so far, (also the) biggest in terms of events." NAASCU Chairman Ray Adalem said Tuesday at the weekly PSA Forum at Shakey's Malate.

From eight member schools last year, 14 schools will participate in 10 events.

"Patok ang NAASCU kasi yung mga miyembro namin they keep on coming back kasi they know the principle na gusto pigain ng organization." Adalem said. "Yung ibang organizations gusto mag-make money out of the league."

However, three-time defending champion Centro Escolar University will take a leave of absence from the league.

"Hindi namin alam kung bakit sila nag leave. But we are thankful kasi napakita nila na malakas din ang mga schools sa SCUAA."

The latest season will kick off on August 25 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, with eight teams battling it out on opening day.

St. Claire College of Caloocan will face the returning AMA Computer University in the first game; Colegio de San Lorenzo will battle City University of Pasay; Philippine Merchant Marine School returns and will take on Our Lady of Fatima University; and Lyceum-Subic will clash with title contender Philippine Christian University to complete the quadruple header.

Games will air Monday to Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.