New basketball league launched for 40+ PBA, veterans, ex-collegiate players

MANILA, July 27 ------ For Jimmy Velasquez, basketball is more than just a game it’s a second shot at glory. That’s the heart behind V-Cup, the debut project of his newly established VSports, a league designed to bring PBA legends and former collegiate stars back to the court for a tournament where greatness doesn’t end at 40. “V-Cup was built on more than just basketball,” Velasquez told ABS-CBN News. “It’s a league of second chances, lasting brotherhood and the belief that greatness doesn’t end at 40. We don’t just play the game. We honor the journey,” he added.

Velasquez is the husband of former actress-turned-businesswoman Bianca Lapus, who helps mount the games weekly. “I’m more on the production side and more on the marketing,” Lapus said. “Jimmy is the one who really thinks of concepts for our projects. “He is also the one who talked to the ex-players. They are welcome to this league. This is a high-level competition, not just to make them sweat.”

Eight teams to start

The league has listed eight teams for the first season, with an average of 25 players in each team. “The players alternate,” said Lapus. “Each team is entitled to get ex-professional players.” The league will run for three months, with games held twice a week – Mondays and Thursdays. The opening game was held last July 6 at the Treston International College in Taguig. There will also be games in Makati. “There are so many basketball leagues for the youth,” Lapus said. “We are pushing this one because we were able to get the 40s and above players, most of whom are already retired.”

When former PBA player John Cardell, now the commissioner of V-Cup 40’s, started promoting the games with Velasquez in TV guestings, a number of fans happily recognized him. “The fans were happy to know that their former idols are now back on the hardcourt,” shared Lapus. “The guys can still play professionally. “We were surprised when we got really good feedback when we did a free trial season last year,” Lapus recalled. “That’s why we pushed through with the games this year and launched it.”

Initially, V-Cup listed eight teams for the league. “There were more than 80 players who applied,” said Lapus. “We want to start small.” In the V-Cup’s inaugural game, JC2 Negrense Slashers won by two points, 78-76, against Exile, powered by former PBA journeyman Mark Isip. “I guess my experience played a big role,” said Isip. “This league for 40-and-up is not just about staying fit. Since my profession is still in coaching, I need to set a good example. If you could show it, you can teach it. Kahit papaano, part of longevity.”

Aside from Isip, other notable players include multi-titled PBA champion Jerwin Gaco and ex-MPBL player Jay Sierra from JC2, and former NCAA stars Erwin Sta. Maria and Floyd Dedicatoria of Tito Rex’s Firewire. Other teams are The Saints, F. Cura Industries, Tela Athletics x IT Depot, The Capitals, and Lancaster Legends.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com