88th NCAA kicks off tomorrow

COLLEGIATE basketball heats up once again as the NCAA opens its 88th season with a blockbuster playdate highlighted by the tiff between the hosts Letran Knights and last year’s runners-up San Sebastian Stags tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Knights are aiming to make an immediate impact in this season behind their solid core led by crafty guard, Kevin Louie Alas.

However, they will be facing the PCCL champions Stags, who are being bannered by last year’s MVP Calvin Abueva and the Ian Sangalang.

The other game during the kickoff salvo will be the match featuring the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers and the Mapua Cardinals.

Several changes are set to be implemented this season starting with the new television carrier, AKTV on IBC 13.

There will also be a brand new set of playdates as games will now be played on Monday, Thursday and Saturday with several Sunday games also set to be played.

These changes will also mean that the NCAA’s schedule will directly compete with the UAAP’s schedule of Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

The reigning champions San Beda Red Lions, meanwhile, will see action on Sunday as they face off against the Arellano University Chiefs. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio