Merger

[eboy]

What do you guys think of a UAAP- NCAA merger? I think it would definitely boost college basketball in the Philippines. Imagine having around fifteen teams instead of just eight and actually (really) having ALL the best college players competing against each other in one league. We'll be able to find out pa who's the real king of college hoops. I mean, you can't say that you are the college champs by just beating La Salle or UST, or by just beating San Beda or San Sebastian di ba? Although there are competitions that actually pit the champs of the various leagues(like the one sponsored by McDonalds? tama ba?) all the teams should actually compete against each other and not just the champs to really see who's the best. What do you guy's think?

[batang uliran]

eboy:

you may not remember this but there was a time when the NCAA was the pre-eminent league with all the powers that be participating there. Over the years, mainly due to fan violence, teams like Ateneo and La Salle left leaving the NCAA a shadow of its former self with the UAAP now being the more prestigious league. I definitely agree that 2 leagues is too much for the college ranks and a merged league would certainly be desirable. Or in the future, they could do a 2 tier system like in the US with a merged league having a Division 1 with the top teams and a Division 2 with the not so good and competitive teams. This system might also encourage smaller colleges to participate initialy in Division 2 so they don't find their teams blown out by 40 points every night by the powerhouse teams.

[archerguy]

A great idea indeed!

[marooned]

There was a time abs-cbn tried to sponsor a battle of champions featuring the top two placers of the uaap and ncaa in a final four format. That was 1989, I believe, but the coup attempt quashed it. Then again, tournaments like this (or natl students championship, fr. martin's cup, etc) do not really prosper because the primary aim of schools is to win the established and recognized championships (uaap and ncaa). The other tournaments thus, have less prestige.

You're right, there should be a merger with two-tiers. The only difference I see in the two leagues is one cater to the universities, while the other is for colleges (I'm not even sure what its difference is aside from the name). The format is the same, the rules are the same. The only concern will be a potential revival of violence. Remember, Ateneo left in the 70s due to rumbles with San Beda, while LaSalle followed suit in the early 80s because of clashes with Letran. San Beda itself took a pretty long leave of absence because of the same reason.

It looks like a merger will only be a dream though. I have yet to hear of even talks to merge. I remember Joe Lipa trying to organize a collegiate superleague, including the strong schools from the southern Philippines. Obviously, nothing came off it.

[This message has been edited by marooned (edited 07-26-1999).]

[Jacob]

Probably a post-season tournament ala US NCAA, wherein basketball powers around the country can participate. It's happening right now but what they lack is TV coverage and audience interest.

It's a good idea though, to see DLSU going up against Letran, UST vs. San Sebastian, FEU vs. San Beda. And don't forget MLQU and U. of Manila, they churn out high-quality players!

[AirHare]

I believe there should be only ONE collegiate champion in the country!

All you need is the UAAP champ, NCAA champ, top 2 colleges in Visayas and top 2 colleges in Mindanao. Don't forget the North and South Luzon areas. Get a good production group that will telecast the games LIVE. Lots of big time sponsors.

Although it's important that the other colleges outside Manila get enough exposure prior to the national championship. Anybody familiar with Southwestern University?
Siliman College?

It's best if we have it during summer. No classes, no problems.

[gerbsdecastro]

I have nothing else to say but agree with Airhare. There should only be one national collegiate champion just like in the US.

[lapis lazuli]

I agree with AirHare.

One champ, and play majority of the season during the summer.

[Rockgardener]

during the summer?
how 'bout student participation?
what US division does that?

i think we'll see a playoff between
the uaap champs and the nc's champ
before we see an actual merger...

then again..if you would have told me that
Ateneo was bolting out of the nc's
a year before it actually happened..i would
have thought of you as crazy....