Letran's Abando, CSB's Gozum to face former schools as Filoil preseason tilt reshuffles groupings

A reunion of sorts is in the offing as the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup reshuffled the groupings where NCAA and UAAP teams will be pitted against each other early in the group stage.

A week before the tip-off on July 23, the organizers made changes with Colegio de San Juan de Letran's Rhenz Abando facing his former team UST in Group B where La Salle's Evan Nelle will also go up against his former squad San Beda.

Joining Letran, UST, La Salle, and San Beda in Group B are Far Eastern University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Lyceum of the Philippines University, and Jose Rizal University.

Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde big man Will Gozum will be facing a familiar team in University of the Philippines in Group A.

Aside from CSB, Group A is comprised of UAAP champion University of the Philippines, NCAA runner-up Mapua University, Adamson University, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, National University, Arellano University, University of the East, and Emilio Aguinaldo College.

The teams will play in a round robin format, with the top four teams in each group advancing to the crossover knockout playoffs, with the one-game championship scheduled on August 27.

The tournament will serve as preseason preparation for all teams with the NCAA set to return for Season 98 this September while UAAP is eyeing to stage Season 84 the following month.

—JMB, GMA News