A doubleheader pitting RnW Pacific Pipes against PC Gilmore and pre-tourney favorite Maynilad versus Cobra gets the ball rolling in the tourney serving as training ground for amateurs and young but former PBA players bidding to climb their way back to the pros.

This being the inaugural tournament of what is projected to be a two-conference affair with a broader reach and format from next year on, all 13 teams are eager to make an immediate impact.

"Iba siyempre kapag ikaw ang naging unang champion ng isang inaugural tournament. Nasa history ka na noon," said Freego Jeans coach Leo Austria, who copped one of his amateur MVP trophies while seeing action in the first year of the now-defunct PABL.

RnW Pacific Pipes and PC Gilmore Wizards tangle after an hour-long opening ceremonies starting at 11 a.m.

Coached by former pro Topex Robinson, RnW is a youth-laden team expected to bank most on ex-Barako Bull Jim Bruce Viray, Ateneo Blue Eagles standout Ryan Buenafe and former PBL Best Player Vic Manuel.

The PC Gilmore Wizards are built around the core of the St. Benilde Blazers, led by Dan Carlo Lastimosa, and the Letran Knights, spearheaded by center Jam Cortes.

The Maynilad Water Dragons readily gained the nod as among the teams to beat with a roster featuring reigning NCAA titlist San Beda, led by MVP Sudan Daniel.

The Cobra Ironmen have been mostly together since their days in the PBL but have undergone some re-tooling. They are now bannered by former UE star guard Paul Lee and are handled by coach Lawrence Chongson.

Noli Cortez, Business Malaya Insight