November 24, 2017

PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup gets going on Jan. 18

Cignal HD-San Beda seeks to extend its dynasty while 12 other teams are motivated to dethrone the defending champion this upcoming 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup.

The field includes eight school-based teams underscoring the competitiveness of league's first conference, which tips off on January 18 next year.

The Hawkeyes, with Conference MVP Robert Bolick and eight-time PBA D-League champion coach Boyet Fernandez leading the way, are out to further establish themselves as the new force to be reckoned with in the amateur ranks.

However, Zark's Burger-Lyceum is seeking to avenge its defeat in the NCAA Finals with MVP CJ Perez and coach Topex Robinson expected to lead the fight for the Jawbreakers.

Also not far behind is Centro Escolar University, which is eyeing to atone for its runner-up finish in the 2017 Foundation Cup with Congolese bruiser Rod Ebondo carrying the torch for the Scorpions.

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Other squads fielding their varsity teams are AMA Online Education, Jose Rizal University, and Batangas-EAC, and new entrants Perpetual and Powerball-St. Benilde.

Also making a run for the championship are contenders Tanduay and Marinerong Pilipino, re-tooling squads Wangs Basketball and Gamboa Coffee Mix, and newcomer Mila's Lechon.

Four teams, namely Cignal with NLEX, JRU with Ginebra, CEU with Rain or Shine, and Powerball with Blackwater, have also secured affiliate tie-ups with PBA teams this coming season. (DL)