UAAP commissioner Jai Reyes and SBP 3x3 project director Ryan Gregorio at the PSA Forum, August 4, 2026. ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- Four of the country's top collegiate basketball teams will carry the flag in the National Student-Athletes Championships (NSAC) World Invitationals, scheduled for August 14-16 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
San Beda University, Far Eastern University, University of Santo Tomas, and newly crowned Filoil preseason champions Jose Rizal University will represent the Philippines in the tournament.
READ: JRU completes two-game sweep of San Beda for Filoil Preseason crown
Two teams from Japan and one each from Australia and Chinese-Taipei will provide the challenge for the locals in the tournament, according to UAAP commissioner Jai Reyes who is also the chief organizer of the NSAC event.
The tournament will be played under FIBA rules.
"It's good to see the level of our collegiate teams when up against foreign teams," he said in Tuesday's Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission media room.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas 3x3 project director Ryan Gregorio also graced the forum, saying the SBP has given its blessing on the event "to make sure everything is according to our vision to improve basketball in the country."
"We need tough competitions to improve. And one way is to embrace FIBA rules, not just for our players but our coaches as well," said Gregorio.
Reyes thanked the Philippine Sports Commission headed by chairman Patrick Gregorio for throwing its full support to the event.
"We thank the PSC for presenting the tournament. Hindi mangyayari ito without the support of the PSC," said Reyes.
"This is also part of the country's sports tourism program. Gusto natin isulong 'yan and it's either we go out of the country or bring them over. Bringing them over is better for us," said the SBP official.