UP set for title defense at 2024 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup

La Salle's Kevin Quiambao, UP's Francis Lopez, San Beda's James Payosing (Photos courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau/NCAA Philippines/GMA Sports)

The 17th edition of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup is set to commence in less than a month.

All eight schools from the UAAP and all ten schools from the NCAA will participate in the 2024 edition, which will start on May 11, as each side is set to undertake their own respective preparations for their upcoming league campaigns.

Considered as among the favorites are defending champions the University of the Philippines, with JD Cagulangan and Francis Lopez set to anchor a successful title defense under Goldwin Monteverde.

Serving as the likely main foils are the respective league champions in La Salle and San Beda.

The Green Archers conquered the Fighting Maroons in the UAAP finals, with Topex Robinson still armed with a ferocious frontcourt of league MVP Kevin Quiambao, Mike Phillips, and Jonnel Policarpio.

As for the Red Lions, Yuri Escueta will still have Finals MVP James Payosing, while also integrating a bunch of transfers that will be eligible for the historic centennial season of the NCAA, led by Bryan Sajonia, formerly of Far Eastern University.

All eight UAAP teams will comprise one group, while all ten NCAA teams will comprise the other group. Teams within each group will go through a single round robin, with the top four teams advancing into the crossover playoffs.

Overseeing the tournament are its regulars: Commissioners Joe Lipa and Bert dela Rosa, tournament director Bennett Palad, media head and consultant Virgil Villavicencio, and marketing and finance head Diana Layug.

In addition, the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup will also hold the Hanes 1-on-1 King of the Hardcourt tournament.