Defending champion champion EcoOil-La Salle and Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda headline the six-team field in the 2024 Philippine Basketball Association D League Asapirants' Cup which reels off 14 March at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Joining them in the cagefest are Centro Escolar University, Gotorakku-St. Clare, Keanzel and CCI-Yengskivel.

The Green Archers and the Red Lions have been installed as the heavy favorites, according to cage observers.

Still, they are quick to caution that surprises should not be discounted and anything can happen.

EcoOil-La Salle is seeking a triple crown.

The Green Archers started their successful title campaign two years ago following the league's return after a long absence due to the Covid pandemic.

They claimed their first championship at the expense of Marinerong Pilipino in a best-of-three.

Led by eventual Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao, La Salle kept the title last year via sweep against a Marinero team powered by National Collegiate Athletic Association powerhouse San Beda Red Lions.

La Salle's D-League success extended to the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines that saw the Green Archers snapping a seven-year title drought by ruling Season 86 at the expense of the University of the Philippines Maroons with a thrilling Game 3 in the finals for their 10th UAAP crown.

San Beda was equally dominating, frustrating Mapua in three games to win the NCAA Season 99 for its 23rd title.

Based on the tournament format, the top two teams will advance after the single-round classification to the semifinals while the remaining four teams play a best-of-three to determine the two other semifinalists.

Quarterfinal pairings will be determined by the team's finish in the elims.