THE Cocolife-Pilipinas Super League (PSL) is currently putting on the finishing touches for its grand launch on Friday, March 18 at the Dipolog Sports Complex.

Basketball fans are expected to pack up the stadium as they are set to finally get a glimpse of live action again after missing it for two years due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

“Medyo tight ang preparation, pero we’re quite excited lalo na with the launching and inauguration of the Pilipinas Super League, ang bagong pambansang liga ng Filipino,” said PSL president Rocky Chan.

The PSL’s inauguration will begin with the opening ceremonies at 2 p.m.

An exhibition match is scheduled right after the opening ceremonies at 4 p.m. pitting a group of team and local government unit (LGU) officials to be known as the Cocolife Executive-LGU and well-known personalities that will make up the Ripples CelebrityAll-Stars.

The nightcap of the opening event is the league’s first-ever game, a 6 p.m. showdown with tournament hosts Roxas Vanguards taking on the Davao Occidental Tiger-Cocolife.

“Gusto naming i-bring back yung entertainment talaga in basketball. Hindi lang siya totally basketball. Kumbaga, super saya, may mga papremyo tayo, and super exciting ang mga laro,” Chan vowed.

Basketball legend Marc Pingris is designated as the league’ first commissioner, while also leading the way for the PSL are chief executive officer Dinko Bautista and vice president Rey Alao.

According to Chan, they and the rest of the league officials are working double-time to assure that the opening rites will be a huge success.

“Almost 24 hours nagtra-trabaho ang mga personnel para lang maibigay natin ang excitement sa opening sa March 18,” Chan further said. “That’s how excited we are.”

Rounding up the teams that will compete in the PSL’s first conferenc are Basilan-BRT, Bicol Spicy Oragons, Cagayan Valley Golden Eagles, Cagayan De Oro Higalas, Pagadian Explorers, and Lapu-Lapu Chiefs-ARQ Builders.

The rest of the field will be seeing action once the league moves to Roxas, Zamboanga Del Norte for the remainder of the first conference.

The PSL aims to help develop Philippine basketball by providing an avenue for players from various regions who have been under the radar to showcase their skills in hopes of launching a successful professional career.

The games will be nationally televised through Net 25 and will be seen live as well on certain Visayas and Mindanao-based stations and via live
stream on the PSL’s Facebook page.

The league’s inaugural season is supported by Ripples Media and Entertainment, Wilson – the official ball of the PSL, Gatorade, Net 25, Malyab, Tri Energy, Phenom, W Cube Solutions, Virux, Zooey, which is distributed by Blueskyplastic Marketing, Zyrepro Superb Probiotic, My TV, and Bearwin’s Corny Doggy Premium Corn Dog.

Games Friday

(Dipolog Sports Complex)
2 p.m. – Opening ceremonies
4 p.m. – Cocolife Executive – LGU vs. Ripples Celebrity All-Stars
6 — p.m. – Roxas Vanguards vs. Davao Occidental Tigers- Cocolife