NCAA 100. School officials, coaches and players who attended the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 100 press conference at Mall of Asia Arena Coral Way lobby in Pasay City on Tuesday (Sept. 3, 2024). The league will kick off on Sept. 7 at the same arena. (PNA photo by Jean Malanum)
MANILA – San Beda University opens its men's basketball title defense against host Lyceum of the Philippines University to kick off the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 at Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City on Saturday.
The Red Lions, owners of 23 championships, face the Pirates at 2:30 p.m., while the Mapua Cardinals will meet the College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Blazers at 5 p.m.
A grand opening ceremony will usher in the historic season carrying the theme, "Siglo Uno: Inspiring Legacies" at 12 noon.
"Ten decades have passed and the NCAA continues to grow and flourish, remaining strong and resilient,” Lyceum president Roberto Laurel, the NCAA Season 100 Policy Board president, said during the press conference at MOA Coral Way lobby on Tuesday. “The country's first athletic collegiate league has already produced many icons and legends who exemplify the league's 100 years of excellence in sports.”
Laurel said the centennial season will recognize everyone who was part of the NCAA journey, “from those who have inspired legacies in the past decades to those who continue to strive for sportsmanship today and tomorrow. Expect this season to be the most exciting yet."
NCAA management committee (mancom) chair Hercules Callanta, also from Lyceum, underscored the importance of the members’ support to the league.
"We are thrilled to showcase to everyone what is in store for them in this historic centennial year of the NCAA,” Callanta said.
“It is also important for schools to support the NCAA, as the league promotes the development and nurturing of character and lifelong skills that can be used by the youth even when they have become professionals."
The members of the mancom are Peter Cayco (Arellano University), Fr. Victor Calvo (Letran), Manuel Raymund Castellano (CSB), Dr. Lorenzo Lorenzo (Emilio Aguinaldo College), Efren Supan (Jose Rizal University), Melchor Divina (Mapua), Atty. Jonas Cabochan (San Beda), Fr. Virgilio Paredes Jr. (San Sebastian College-Recoletos) and Francisco Gusi (University of Perpetual Help). (PNA)
