MANILA – All is set for the Philippine Schools Athletics Association (PSAA) basketball tournament that will kick off on May 10 at the Jesus is Lord (JIL) College Foundation gym in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Philippine Christian University - Manila, champion in the pre-season event last November, JIL College Foundation, Philippine International College (PIC), U-Bix Colleges, Inc., Philippine Maritime Institute, St. Bernadeth, Bulacan State University, St. Joseph of Olongapo, Asia Pacific College, and Manuel Enverga College are joining the league founded by coach Fernando Arimando.

“It's all systems go. I am grateful for the trust of our member schools and the sponsors who are the backbone for us to succeed in this league and continue our mission to help sports development in basketball," Arimado said during the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports, Inc. (TOPS) “Usapang Sports” at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum VIP Room on Wednesday. He also founded the National Youth Basketball League (NYBL).

Former commercial league player, Robert Dela Rosa, will serve as commissioner with coach Danny Caballero as his deputy.

“The success of the league depends on officiating. There will be no problem as long as our officials are reliable, consistent, and fair, so we hired the same group of referees who are also responsible for the NCAA and UAAP," Dela Rosa said.

All teams are optimistic about their campaign, with PCU-Manila having the advantage because of its experience playing in various collegiate leagues.

“PCU is still the team to beat. But hopefully, our long preparation will be our weapon to take back the inaugural PSAA champion from them," said PIC coach Ericson Relox. PCU, winner of an invitational tournament in Perth, Australia, has recruited a Fil-American player.

“We do not consider our team as favorite. Every team we face is considered a top competitor, so the players' mindset is not to be relaxed. It's important that in every game we learn something from them and they learn something from us," PCU coach Gualberto Garcia said.

Also present in the weekly session were U-Bix Colleges coach Hector Angelo Moquera, John Gabrial Denz, PMI coach Aljero Alemania, and Philippine Karate League (PKL) head Restituto Fillarca Jr. (PNA)