Men’s basketball coaches from 10 schools in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) attend the formal launching of Season 101 on Monday (Sept. 22, 2025) at the Novotel Manila in Quezon City. The coaches are (from left) Charles Tiu (College of Saint Benilde), Jerson Cabiltes (Emili0 Aguinaldo College), Nani Epondulan (Jose Rizal University), Chico Manabat (Arellano University), Allen Ricardo (Colegio de San Juan de Letran), Randy Alcantara (Mapua University), Gilbert Malabanan (Lyceum of the Philippines University), Yuri Escueta (San Beda University), Rob Labagala (San Sebastian College-Recoletos), and Olsen Racela (University of Perpetual Help). (PNA photo by Jean Malanum)
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is shaking things up for its 101st season as it unveils a new format for the men’s basketball tournament, which officially opens on October 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
During a press conference at Novotel Manila in Quezon City, the league’s Management Committee announced the shift from the traditional double round-robin eliminations to a fresh group-stage setup that will divide the 10 competing teams into two pools.
How the new format works
Under the revamped format, teams in Groups A and B will face their groupmates twice and the opposing pool once, for a total of 13 elimination-round games. The top three finishers from each group will advance automatically, while the remaining teams battle for the last two quarterfinal slots.
“The beauty of the new format is that it gives everyone a chance,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta. “You can also see in the preseason that all teams have become stronger.”
The quarterfinals will feature crossover knockout matches, with the top two squads from each group enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage. The Final Four will then transition into best-of-three semifinals, setting the stage for a championship clash.
Groupings for Season 101
- Group A: Defending champion Mapua, Lyceum, Perpetual Help, San Sebastian, Arellano
- Group B: San Beda, College of St. Benilde, Letran, Jose Rizal University, Emilio Aguinaldo College
The league hopes the new structure will heighten competition and create more excitement for fans as it celebrates over a century of collegiate basketball tradition.
