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25-and-under cage league kicks off Sept. 25
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Posted on Sep 09 2004
Officials of the upcoming BANMI men’s 25-and-under Basketball League disclosed the other day that its 2004 season will finally unfold on Sept. 25 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
This after officials and several coaches met Tuesday evening to discuss the start of the annual cage fest.
So far, 14 teams have shown interest in competing, including defending champion Northern Marianas College Proa, last year’s runner up Ghasias Brothers, Ol’Aces, San Antonio Sixers, San Vicente Sunrisers, Cougars, Tinian, Mobil, Toyota, 69ers, Garapan Rollers I and II, and a team comprised of cagers from the United Filipino Organization.
According to league coordinator Abner Venus, registration for the league is still open.
Also, all teams are required to submit necessary documents for age verification, as well as an entrance fee of $900 for teams who wish to have uniforms supplied by the league or $600 for teams who do not intend on receiving uniforms from the league.
Players eligible to see action in the league are those whose 26th birthday does not predate the opening of the season, according to Venus. Team rosters should be submitted as soon as possible and should include the participants’ proof of age.
The 25-and-under league was initiated years back after BANMI saw that the younger 22-and-under league does not attract that much interest.
BANMI officials note that for such a small place like Saipan, raising the age limit by three years would be the ideal since the 22-and-under format would lure basically players from the 18-and-under Rotary league.
For more information on the upcoming 25-and-under Basketball League, please call Venus at 287-5911.
Last year, Verizon Proa hoisted the championship trophy after it waylaid the Brothers, 106-91, in the title tiff.
Verizon also won that season’s pennant championship and was coached by then CNMI national basketball team coach Rufino Aguon. Its players included Jester Garcia, Dave Palacios, Boaz Etpison, Ambrose Ogumoro, Jeremy Sablan, Ponce Rasa, J.C. Kim, Oscar Ada, and Mel Manibusan. (Shan Seman)
