What's New This Season 87?

The NCAA will showcase the best collegiate performers when the league opens on July 2 at the Araneta Coliseum.

NCAA Management Committee (ManComm) chairman Mike Del Mundo said they decided to tap college students to give them a chance to show their talent in the 1 p.m. opening ceremonies.

"All the production numbers will be performed by college students. There will be no professional performers. We want to give the college students a chance," said Del Mundo in Tuesday's Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.

A drumline competition will also be held before the scheduled triple-header to open the basketball season.

Defending champion San Beda will face host University of Perpetual Help in the 2 p.m. opener while San Sebastian College battles Jose Rizal University at 4 p.m. Mapua clashes with Letran in the 6 p.m. nightcap.

Meanwhile, cheerleading has also been elevated as a regular sport and will now be part of the general championship tally.

Aside from basketball and cheerleading, beach volleyball, swimming, chess and table tennis will also be held in the first semester.

A Ms. NCAA beauty pageant will also be held at the end of the season.