THIS year’s edition of the FilOil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup is set to unfurl in less than a month but only the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champions Southwestern University Cobras have signified their intention to compete in the prestigious preseason event that pits collegiate basketball squads from all over the country against one another as a primer for their respective mother leagues.
According to tournament director Joey Guillermo, the tournament will open on April 18 and will run until June 14. However, he mentioned that so far, out of the teams from Cebu that they have invited, only the Cobras have given the green signal on their participation.
“So far, SWU confirmed their participation,” said Guillermo.
The affable executive added that the University of San Carlos Warriors, the Cesafi’s runner-up last season, will not be competing.
“USC begged off due to budgetary constraints since all games will be played in Manila,” Guillermo shared.
Asked about the University of the Visayas Green Lancers’ participation, team manager and Cebu First District Representative Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas also confirmed that his team will not be taking part in the tournament for the same reason as USC’s.
The Premier Cup actually held several games here in Cebu last year with UAAP squads La Salle Green Archers and the University of the East Red Warriors showcasing their skills before Cebuano fans. However, that format will not be adapted this year with the games solely being held in Manila every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.