By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Six players who trace their roots from the Negros Island Region (NIR) are rostered to play in the upcoming NCAA Season 100 men’s seniors basketball tournament.
Bacolod City has the greatest number of NIR-based players with three, two from Negros Oriental, and another one from Negros Occidental’s La Carlota City.
The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas has two NIR-based players on its roster, namely Nathaniel Sevilla and Shawn Michael Orgo, both from Bacolod City.
The Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers also has two Negrense players in Bacolodnon Lance Benitez and Mart James Barrera, who previously played for Bacolod Tay Tung High School.
The College of St. Benilde Blazers has one in rookie Irele Galas from La Carlota City, and the Arellano University Chiefs also has one in Renzo Abiera of Dumaguete City.
Other teams competing in the upcoming NCAA season are defending champions the San Beda University Red Lions, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, the San Sebastian College Golden Stags, the Mapua University Cardinals, the Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates, and the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals.
Action will begin at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, September 7, with the Red Lions facing the Pirates at 2:30 p.m., and the Blazers battling the Cardinals at 5:00 p.m./ASC, WDJ