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Bud Cup gives way to Mini Games
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Posted on Jul 13 2005
With several officials of the Basketball Association of the Northern Mariana Islands expected to join the CNMI delegation in this month’s 2005 Palau South Pacific Mini Games, the basketball body has decided to push back the start of the 2005 Budweiser Cup to next month.
League commissioner Abner Venus relayed the message to the BANMI board during its monthly meeting Tuesday evening at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium conference room, citing that waiting for the conclusion of the Mini Games would ensure that league play does not get interrupted.
“I don’t want to start, then have to stop for awhile,” Venus said. ”Let’s start and not stop for a long period until we crown a champion.”
With that, the board agreed to designate Aug. 15 as the new starting date for the league formerly known as the Men’s Island-wide Basketball League, with all matches to be played at the Ada Gym.
According to Venus, eight teams have already confirmed play in the competition, with four already submitting their entrance fee payments to BANMI.
Among the four that are already assured slots are two-time defending champion Toyota, Nissan Titans, National-Alamo, and Master Construction.
The other four who Venus said have indicated they’ll pay the entrance fee soon are Wells Fargo, Ol’Aces II, Masters Selection, and Hoopaholics.
Another team that has shown interest is host Budweiser, which will be known as Bud Kings.
Venus said the Masters Selection comprise of players currently showcasing their skills in the ongoing Masters Basketball League.
He added that the Hoopaholics are to be sponsored by Rep. Janet Maratita, while Rep. Clyde Norita will serve as main sponsor for the Masters Selection.
Venus, however, added that the league is open to any interested team and registration is still ongoing.
At stake are bragging rights for a year, a championship trophy, and the $1,000 in cash for the champion.
For more information on the Budweiser Cup, contact Venus at 287-5911 or BANMI vice president Elias Rangamar at 664-2502.
