THERE will only be two PBA squads competing in the much-anticipated Recoletos Invitational which kicks off on November 9 at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) gym in Basak.
According to tournament organizer and USJ-R head coach Jun Noel, only the Meralco Bolts and the NLEX Road Warriors will be coming over to compete in the three-day tournament.
Phoenix Petroleum and the Purefoods Star Hotshots were both eyed to participate in the goodwill tournament but begged off at the last minute.
In their place will be the recently crowned Cesafi champions University of the Visayas Green Lancers.
However, UV head coach Gary Cortes is worried about his team’s readiness for the said tournament as they have yet to practice after winning the Cesafi title a few weeks ago.
“The players aren’t even here yet. We gave everybody time away from basketball. I think we will begin practicing once again next week,” said Cortes.
UV team owner Samsam Gullas said that he also advised Cortes to back his team up with players from other Cesafi schools.
The Cebu Landmasters-backed Cesafi All Star squad will be manned by players from USJ-R and the Southwestern University-Phinma.