23 teams set for PSL National Finals

(UPDATE) THE roster for the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) National Finals is now complete as five teams from the Visayas Regional Finals secured a spot in the qualifying tournament for the first-ever Global Championship Challenge.

Four teams from Cebu and one from Ormoc advanced to the national finals which will be held from July 7 to 11 at the Victoria Sports in Quezon City.

The champions in their respective divisions were Cebu-Khalifa (born in 2004), Cebu-USPF (born in 2008) and Cebu-GN Splasher (born in 2006).

However, due to the conflict in Palarong Pambansa, the 2006 Cebu Born champion team will not be able to participate in the national finals.

Also number two Cebu-Shirillin/Atty. Dico (born in 2004), Ormoc-OCCCI (born in 2008) and Cebu-USJR (born in 2006) were bullseye in the tournament.

They join the early qualifiers, the two highest placed in the previous regional events.

The PSL has not only strengthened its program both domestically and internationally, but has also strengthened its leadership by signing PBA legends to lead its basketball operations.

PSL President Cris Bautista selected PBA Hall of Famer Alan Caidic as commissioner, who was later joined by his former Presto teammate, Gerry Esplana, to become deputy commissioner. Caidic was MVP in 1990, the same year Esplana was Rookie of the Year, and together they led the Tiviolis to win the All-Filipino championship.

Alternate commissioners were also appointed for different regions: Jayvee Gayoso for Luzon, Dondon Hontiveros for the Visayas and PJ Simon for Mindanao.

“We limited it to eight teams per region to compete in the regional finals. There were provinces that went through qualifying events, some teams made a selection to represent the province in the regional finals,” Caidic said.

“They played in regional finals, and the winners go to the national finals. It’s a big challenge, not only for us, but also for the other teams, logistics, finances and other things. But it’s worth it.”

From July 7 to 11, all the champions from the different regions will come together to compete in the national finals. These finals will serve as a qualifying tournament for the first ever Global Championship Challenge, the biggest basketball event organized by this young league.

Young Filipino players competing in the under-16, under-18 and under-20 divisions and currently residing in the United States, Canada, Italy, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Thailand will compete against the country’s best, representing the Philippines in the three age categories.

Following the Global Championship Challenge, the PSL will continue with its national event, the Commissioner’s Cup, which will provide a platform for non-contracted players, whether at amateur, collegiate or professional level.

From August to October, the Commissioner’s Cup kicks off in Mindanao, before moving on to the Visayas and the National Capital Region.

In November, the league will conclude the season with the President’s Cup 2.0, which will last until April 2025.