By Jonas Terrado
University of the Philippines and De La Salle are among the 12 teams that have declared their intent to participate in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup which begins Feb. 13.
In this file photo, UP celebrates in the UAAP Season 82 Round 2 match against La Salle at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo, October 27, 2019 (MB Photo / Rio Deluvio, File)
The Fighting Maroons will make their return to the developmental tournament after a four-year absence while the Green Archers are competing for the first time under the banner Eco Oil.
Also expressing desire to play in the first conference are Centro Escolar University, Marinerong Pilipino, Ironcon-University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, Diliman College and AMA Online Education.
Other first-timers are Mapua University, La Salle-Dasmarinas, Paranaque City and Debantan Sports.
Teams have until Jan. 15 to submit their payments to the league, with the draft scheduled five days later at the PBA Office in Libis.
UP, which last competed in the 2016 Aspirants’ Cup, is expected to field stars Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero and Bright Akhuetie as part of its early build-up for the UAAP.
CEU settled for runner-up finish to Ateneo in last year's first conference while Marinerong Pilipino lost to Sumisip-St. Clare in the Foundation Cup Finals.