Bud Cup kicks off with colorful parade

Months of waiting came to an end yesterday evening as the 2005 Budweiser Cup BANMI Island-wide Men’s Basketball League finally got underway at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Suited up in new uniforms, the eight participating teams made their grand entrance to the league’s home court, parading in front of supporting fans to kick off the league’s opening ceremony.

Joining two-time defending champion Toyota in the parade were Wells Fargo, Masters Selection, Aon, Ol’Aces, Nissan Titans, Masters Construction, and Hoopaholics.

Shortly after all teams made their entrance, league commissioner Abner Venus and BANMI president Mike Muna took center stage, reiterating the need for all players to abide by all rules.

All teams except for Toyota, who which already assured a slot in the opening game, then took part in a drawing to determine the regular season schedule.

Picking the No. 2 slot was Masters Construction representative and former national player Ed Diaz, assuring a battle of powerhouse as several members of Masters Constructions were part of the Angando Brothers team that faced Toyota in last year’s championship bout.

Scheduled to take the floor and make their debut in the second game were Wells Fargo and Ol’Aces.

Aon will battle Nissan in tomorrow’s curtain raiser while Hoopaholics and Masters Selection take the stage in the second game.

All games will be played on Mondays and Wednesdays, with the first game expected to tip off at 7pm or immediately following the conclusion of the scheduled regular season game in the Saipan Rotary Summer Youth Basketball League. The second at 8:30pm.

Teams will battle through two rounds, facing each team twice before the conclusion of the regular season. The playoffs will feature a single elimination format, ending with a best-of-three championship series.

Meanwhile, sister teams Capitol Hill Breeze and Garapan Rollers III will have to wait until Friday before testing each other’s skills after their Saipan Rotary Summer Youth Basketball League bout was rescheduled.

The bout was originally scheduled for 5:30pm yesterday, but according to league official Elias Rangamar, had to be rescheduled to make way for the opening ceremony of the Budweiser Cup.

Rangamar said the regular schedule handed out by Rotary officials will still be in effect beginning today.

Taking the floor in the opener at 5:30pm are the G-Rollers II and Bwibwiis, while G-III and the Chalan Kanoa Saints battle in the second game, scheduled for 7:30pm.

Action continues tomorrow with one game as the Matansa Sparks take on the San Antonio Sixers II.

The game of the week will be played on Thursday as powerhouse G-Rollers I and Southern Sonics put their undefeated records on the line as they clash at 5:30pm. Toyota Camry and Bwibwiis follow at 7:30pm.

The week will close on Friday with Breeze and G-III making up their bout at 5:30pm.

League officials also confirmed that no games will be played on Monday, Sept. 5, in observance of Labor Day.

For more information on the Budweiser Cup, contact Rangamar at 664-2500 or Venus at 234-5911. For more information on the Rotary league contact Mario Sablan or Jovie Omar at 664-2500/2.