Bud Cup to kick off after govt caging

Commissioner Abner Venus said the 4th Annual Budweiser Cup-BANMI Island-wide Basketball League would likely start after the conclusion of the 2006 Inter-Government Basketball League.

Venus, who just returned from vacation in his native Philippines, said the basketball league for civil servants currently holds the weekday Monday-Thursday schedule at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium and with the rate it’s going, the Bud Cup would probably hit the Oleai hard court in early or second week of April.

He said aside from the lack of available venue, the island-wide is also awaiting entries and is reminding teams interested in joining the premiere basketball competition in the CNMI to sign up as early as possible.

While he is still awaiting entries, Venus said one team that has already given its commitment to join is the CNMI Men’s National Basketball Team under the mentorship of head coach Rufino Aguon, which will play as a guest team.

He hopes that the national men’s team’s participation in Bud Cup would help them prepare for the upcoming battle against regional basketball powerhouse Guam, Palau, and Marshall Islands.

Although, he envisions a 10-team field for the competition, he said the more realistic number of participants is six teams because of problems coming up with the entrance fee of $800, plus $100 required for membership in BANMI.

Venus said once the government league concludes, he will ask officials at the Division of Sports and Recreation to reserve Fridays and Saturdays for the Budweiser Cup,

For the first time in its four-year run, the league will also feature an age limit, as only players 21 years old and above will be allowed to suit up.

Venus said this would allow youth players to focus their energies in the BANMI Men’s 25-and-under Basketball League, which is expected to kick off soon after the start of the Bud Cup.

He, however, said the 21-and-over rule would not apply to the men’s national team expected to compete in the league.

Unlike the new age limit, once thing that has never changed is the prize money involved in the competition, as the winning team will go home with $1,000, while second place receives $300. Third place receives $200.

Expected to return to defend its title is Ol’Aces I, which has won each Bud Cup since its inaugural season.

For more information about the 4th Annual Budweiser Cup-BANMI Island-wide Basketball League, call Venus at 888-3228.