2012 PCCL Preview

It’s that time of the year again.

The search for the best college basketball team from around the archipelago once again commences with the tenth edition of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

Last year, the tournament saw its first non-UAAP winner as San Sebastian College-Recoletos dethroned the 2-time defending PCCL champion, Ateneo de Manila University. The Golden Stags entered the Finals armed with a twice-to-beat advantage after finishing with the best record at the end of the Final Four Round Robin which also featured NCAA Champion, San Beda College and CESAFI Champion, University of Cebu. In Game 1, the Blue Eagles prevailed, 56-51 to force a winner take all match. But, San Sebastian would not be denied as Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang led their squad to a 73-67 victory to capture its first PCCL crown. Abueva finished with 20 points and 17 rebounds while Sangalang, who was awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, also contributed a double-double with 19 points and 15 rebounds. It was a memorable tournament for the recto-based outfit, especially for rookie Head Coach Topex Robinson and graduating players Anthony Del Rio and Jonathan Semira. They will be remembered as key components of the first NCAA team to have their school’s name carved on the Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) Perpetual Trophy, which they have also kept in possession with them for an entire year.

Their time is up though, as this year, the opportunity to be hailed as the nation’s best basketball team arises once again to various champions all over the country.

A lot has changed in the collegiate basketball landscape within the past twelve months. Not only have teams improved their basketball programs with new players and coaches, the tournament format has been modified as well. About 228 teams from 33 different mother leagues will be battling for survival as they work their way up the ladder to face off against a handful of top tier team who have already clinched sure spots in the Sweet 16.

Five-time UAAP Champions, Ateneo and Three-time NCAA Kings, San Beda College have occupied the first two slots in the Final Four Round Robin as they await the Southern Islands Champion and the Luzon-Metro Manila Champion.

The Southern Islands Tournament consists primarily of the top 3 CESAFI teams along with the Visayas and Mindanao regional champions. West Negros University and Holy Trinity College of General Santos City have already vanquished their counterparts to emerge as the representatives of Visayas and Mindanao. However, only one of them will advance to the next phase of the tournament to battle either the University of the Visayas or the University of San Jose-Recoletos who will also figure in their own version of a knockout match. Awaiting the winner is the reigning CESAFI Champion, Southwestern University. The Cobras are the favorites to become the Southern Islands Champions. Last year, Junemar Fajardo powered the University of Cebu to the Final Four Round Robin.

Perhaps the most interesting alteration to this year’s tournament is the format for the Luzon-Metro Manila bracket. Not only do the second, third, and fourth placers of the UAAP and NCAA own automatic spots in the Sweet 16, they will immediately be matched up against one another. With that said, Colegio de San Juan de Letran will face off sister school University of Sto. Tomas, San Sebastian will be matched up against National University and finally, the University of Perpetual Help will lock horns with De La Salle University.

Aside from these marquee matchups, two slots for Metro Manila based teams will also be up for grabs. There will also be a mini-tournament to determine the South Luzon-Bicol Champion and North/Central Luzon Champion.

History has shown that the Luzon-Metro Manila Champion is capable of winning at all as just last year, San Sebastian rose from the depths to shock the entire nation with their momentous triumph.

For the fourth straight year, ABS-CBN Sports will air the exciting games of the PCCL as the partnership between the two organizations continues to grow stronger along with the popularity of the tournament. The PCCL is the brainchild of its passionate chairman, Mr. Reynaldo D. Gamboa and tournament director, the legendary coach Joe Lipa.

Let the games begin…again.

There can only be one!

source: Balls