UP's Francis Lopez in action against La Salle in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball Finals, on November 29, 2023 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media

MANILA -- Defending champion University of the Philippines, UAAP title-holders De La Salle University and NCAA kings San Beda University lead the 18-team cast for the 2024 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup that starts on May 11.

All eight teams from the UAAP and 10 teams from the NCAA will see action in the traditional preseason tournament as they begin their build-ups for their respective collegiate campaigns. 

The Fighting Maroons are among the favorites, with JD Cagulangan and Francis Lopez expected to lead the charge for coach Goldwin Monteverde.

La Salle, meanwhile, will feature UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, Mike Phillips, and Jonnel Policarpio with coach Topex Robinson calling the shots. 

The Red Lions are looking to show that they are back among collegiate basketball's elite, even after losing point guard Jacob Cortez to San Beda in the aftermath of their run to the NCAA championship. San Beda will parade Bryan Sajonia, formerly of Far Eastern University, alongside NCAA Finals MVP James Payosing.

Teams will be grouped according to mother leagues, with the UAAP group featuring UP and La Salle together with Ateneo, Adamson, FEU, National U, UE, and UST.

San Beda, on the other hand, will feature in the NCAA group together with Arellano, Benilde, EAC, JRU, Letran, LPU, Mapua, Perpetual, and San Sebastian.

Teams will play in single-round robin eliminations with the top four from each group advancing to the crossover playoffs.

Commissioners Joe Lipa and Bert dela Rosa, tournament director Bennett Palad, media head and consultant Virgil Villavicencio, and marketing and finance head Diana Layug will once again spearhead the cage tilt.

Also returning this year is the Hanes 1-on-1 King of the Hardcourt tournament.