MANILA, Philippines - With reigning champion Ateneo and National University out of the roster, De La Salle-Zobel is out to carry the cudgels for the UAAP teams when the fourth Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) Jumbo Linoleum Plastic Cup is fired off Dec. 12 at the San Beda College gym.
Aljun Melecio, who norms 29 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in the ongoing UAAP tournament, is expected to lead the charge for the Junior Archers, who also boast of a dependable backcourt supporting cast.
Ateneo and NU have begged off from taking part in the annual “Battle of Champions” to allow their players a longer time to rest since the UAAP high school tournament will take a break only on the opening day of the tournament.
Aside from La Salle-Zobel, other UAAP teams in the tournament also sponsored by Blackwater Sports, Rain or Shine, Freego, MEC Networks, Hapee, , Dickies Underwear and Ironcon Builders are Adamson, UST AND FEU.
Other participating teams are Arellano U, Mapua and Lyceum of the Philippines from NCAA and Xavier School, Chiang Kai Shek College, Hope Christian HS and Manila Patriotic School from FCAAF.