All set for 19th SHAABAA Cup

CEBU, Philippines - The 19 season of the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association billed as "The Avenir SHAABAA  Cup" gets underway this Sunday at the Lux Oriens Gym of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City. The season-opening games will be determined after the kick-off ceremony at 1:30 p.m.

The event was formally launched by Sacred Heart Alumni President Jose Franco B. Soberano and SHAABAA prexy Kevin Lim yesterday at Big Mao restaurant in Ayala Center Cebu.

A total of 15 teams will be seeing action in this year's edition of Cebu's oldest alumni-based chase league.

For the first time since its inception in 1995, the participating squads are spread in separate divisions, hence, there will be two champions this season.

Goldberry Iloilo Hotel, formerly Goldberry Suites that won the 2013 championship, banners the list of contenders in Division A that also includes Shakey's (Batch 2014), Cebu Landmasters, Colours, Gaisano Capital, Insular Square Titans, RDAK Stallions, San Jose Bakeshop, and Twin Tower Farms.

Goldberry remains a heavy title favorite owing to the presence of former pro Joel Co and the deadly triumvirate of Dace Lim, Dennis Que, and Dave Ting, all former MVP awardees. They also have the power-playing center Robert Gilo, Grant Go and the Huangs - Jeremy, Justin and Jed.

Goldberry is again expected to face tough challenge from last year's runner-up Cebu Landmasters led by former collegiate standout Moncief Rogado and team owner Jose Franco Soberano.

Slugging it out in Division B are Batch 94, Chick @ Phil 89, Echo Appliance, Belo Men 98, RDAK, and White Gold Club, composed of players from Batch '96.

The tournament follows a single round robin format in Division A and double round robin in Division B. The top-ranked teams after the classification phase will enjoy twice incentives in the quarterfinals and in the semis as well. The finals are both a best-of-three series. (FREEMAN)