Chancellor’s bball tourney tips off with expanded team slate, revamped homecourt

John Wynne Escolano and Princess Grace Tesnado

Further shaping the sporting landscape of the institution, the new season of the Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-GSC) Chancellor’s Cup Basketball League highlighted a stronger sense of community by bringing in new groups from recognized stakeholders and the official sponsor, alongside students and faculty, during its official tip-off on August 6, 2025 at the University Gymnasium.

Expanding this season’s set of lineup, the Cup welcomed new additions from the MSU-GSC Drivers Association and sponsors Double AR Sports Apparel, joining the roster of colleges, the Administration Office, and PPD-GSO.

©Ashley Louisa Loyloy

Prof. Nerio Ilisan, Basketball Commissioner of the Cup, emphasized that this expansion is a meaningful step in recognizing often overlooked members of the community, bringing greater unity and spirit to the university’s sports culture.

“Iniisip kasi natin ’yung mga habal-habal drivers natin, they are already part of the University. [Kasi] naka[ka]pagserve naman sila sa mga estudyante,” said Prof. Ilisan, explaining the inclusion of the MSU riders  in the tournament.

Moreover, he also highlighted that the tournament served as a preparation and adjustment phase for players to get accustomed to the new equipment and improved venue ahead of much-anticipated Intramurals in October. 

With the ball officially in play, this new season of the Chancellor’s Basketball Cup brings high-stake action until September 10, featuring 12 determined teams battling every Wednesday and Friday at the University Gymnasium, with three matchups across two competitive brackets each game day.

On the other hand, with the inauguration of the new basketball ring held during the tournament’s opening, Chancellor Atty. Shidik Abantas then assured that this marks only the beginning of their broader plans for sports, education and campus facilities, underscored his commitment to elevating athletic programs and upgrading sports venues. 

Now on its nearly two-decade run, the event continues to be a cornerstone of the university’s athletic heritage, with this year’s edition standing out under Chancellor Abantas’ administration as the first in his tenure, marking a fresh chapter for the long-running competition.