NCAA set for S101 launch in October

The Grand Old League is set to mark its 101st season on October 1, with hosts Mapua University holding its opener at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Continuing its partnership with its broadcast partner, GMA Network, the NCAA will usher in the season under the theme "Building Greatness."

With that in mind, NCAA Season 101 Policy Board President Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo says, "As we officially launch Season 101, we embark on a new era for the NCAA - one that places a deliberate focus on athletic achievement and progress for the NCAA. In line with this season's theme, we aim to inspire a new generation of student-athletes to not only compete at their highest level, but to also build upon the legacy of greatness that this league was founded on."

This viewpoint is shared by the rest of the members of Policy Board, comprised of:

• Francisco Paulino V. Cayco (Arellano University)
• Fr. Raymund Fernando P. Jose, OP (Colegio de San Juan de Letran)
• Br. Edmundo L. Fernandez, FSC (De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde)
• Dr. Jose Paulo E. Campos (Emilio Aguinaldo College)
• Dr. Vincent K. Fabella (Jose Rizal University)
• Atty. Roberto P. Laurel (Lyceum of the Philippines University)
• Fr. Aloysius Ma. A. Maranan, OSB (San Beda University)
• Fr. Rafael B. Pecson, OAR (San Sebastian College-Recoletos)
• Dr. Anthony Jose M. Tamayo (University of Perpetual Help System DALTA)

Adding new excitement to the league are some new developments, as revealed by Season 101 Management Committee Chairman Melchor Divina, most notably the tweaks made to the upcoming basketball and volleyball tournaments. Mapua's Sports Director notes, "NCAA Season 101 promises to be a landmark year for the league. These changes will not only elevate the level of competition, but also bring more excitement and a thrilling experience for our fans."

This is affirmed by his fellow ManCom members:

• Peter S. Cayco (Arellano)
• Fr. Victor C. Calvo, Jr., OP (Letran)
• Manuel Raymund A. Castellano (CSB)
• Dr. Lorenzo C. Lorenzo (EAC)
• Efren Y. Supan (JRU)
• Dr. Allan Paul Layco (Lyceum)
• Atty. Jonas D. Cabochan (San Beda)
• Fr. Virgilio M. Paredes, Jr., OAR (San Sebastian)
• Francisco P. Gusi (Perpetual)

The league will have its usual retinue of sports: 3x3 and 5x5 basketball, beach and indoor volleyball, taekwondo, badminton, table tennis, swimming, street dance, football, lawn and soft tennis, track and field, and cheerleading, as well as eSports, plus the potential introduction of special events like boxing, golf, gymnastics, and weightlifting, 

On the part of GMA, Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso notes, "As the multi-platform media partner, GMA Network not only made the games available on TV but as well as digital since Season 96, dedicated to bringing a top-tier athletic league to schools, fans, and sports enthusiasts everywhere."

Amoroso adds, "As we enter an exciting new chapter this Season 101, GMA Network, the home of the NCAA, is committed to delivering a world-class viewing experience."

Such an experience will be in display with the opening ceremonies, slated to take place at noon, and set to be shown at 130pm on GTV.

Hosted by the trio of Martin Javier, Ashley Ortega, and Anjo Pertierra, the festivities will also feature a special performance from Aicelle Santos and the rendition of the NCAA Season 101 theme song "Own the Future" by the All Out Sundays' Divas of Queendom Thea Astley, Hannah Precillas, and Naya Ambi.

Afterwards, hardcourt action officially gets underway with a senior doubleheader, as hosts and defending champions Mapua take on Lyceum at 230pm, followed by the 5pm matchup involving CSB and San Beda.

The first game will be shown LIVE on both GTV and Heart of Asia, with the second game set to air on HOA.

Action is set to be broadcast five times a week:

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays: 11am on HOA, 230pm on GTV and HOA
• Fridays: 12nn and 230pm on HOA
• Sundays: 12nn and 230pm on GTV and HOA 

In addition, they are also set to be streamed online through the league's social media platforms. International viewers will be able to check out the action on GMA News TV, with the Opening Ceremony also being shown on GMA Pinoy TV.