Who will be the next big discoveries of the United Central Luzon Athletic Association?
After a few years of being idle, the UCLAA returns on October 24 with 12 teams seeing action at the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) and Mini Convention Center in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Host DHVSU, the same school which produced current PBA star Jayson Castro, will lead the 12 combatants this season.
Other teams competing are Holy Angel University, Angeles University Foundation, Systems Plus College Foundation, Lyceum of Subic Bay, Colegio De Sebastian, Tarlac State University, Nueva Ecija University Science & Technology, National University Clark, Tarlac Agricultural University, St. Nicolas College of Business & Technology and Mary the Queen College of Pampanga.
UCLAA chairman Gil Cortez, the PBA’s first Rookie of the Year, told Pinoystep.com that the league’s vision is to continue to become the breeding ground of future big leaguers like Castro.
Although Castro didn’t play in the UCLAA as he moved to Philippine Christian University during his collegiate years, several other players who saw action in the PBA, came to play in this prestigious collegiate league in Central Luzon.
“Vic Manuel and Ping Exciminiano played for Lyceum Subic Bay while Michael Miranda was a player for St. Nicolas College of Business & Technology and Dominic Fajardo played for Bulacan State University,” said Cortez.
Manuel is still currently playing in the PBA with the San Miguel Beermen while Exciminano made his way back to the TNT roster even as Miranda and Fajardo were key contributors for the NLEX Road Warriors, now being coached by multi-titled mentor Jong Uichico.
According to Cortez, also the Regional Director of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the return of UCLAA will solidify its role as an established league in Central Luzon.
