KUALA LUMPUR, A total of 14 teams, the highest in the history of the National Basketball Championship, will compete in the 2024 edition, from Aug 5 to 11. Malaysia Basketball Association (MABA) president Datuk Seri Lee Tian Hock said this year's championship, the 28th edition, at MABA Stadium here, surpassed the 2006 record of 13 teams. 'The preliminary round will see all teams divided into four groups, with only the top two from each group qualifying to the second round. 'In the second round, the eight teams from the preliminary round will be divided into two groups and the top two from each group will play in semi-finals,' he told a press conference here today. Defending champions Negeri Sembilan have been drawn to face Penang and Perak in Group A while Putrajaya are in Group B with Johor and PDRM. Sabah, Labuan, Sarawak and Terengganu were drawn in Group C while Selangor, the Armed Forces, Kedah and Kuala Lumpur are in Group D. The champions will receive a trophy and prize money worth RM5,000. Mean while, Tian Hock announced that Malaysia will host the 2024 Under-18 Asia Cup Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Qualifiers from July 19 to 21, also at MABA Stadium. He said the qualifying round, which will be played in round robin format, will see Malaysia going against the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia for two spots in the 2024 U-18 Asia Cup, to be held in Amman, Jordan, from Sept 2 to 9. Also, Malaysia will host the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3x3 Youth Nations League in Berjaya Times Square from July 22 to 28, featuring New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Singapore and Indonesia. Source: BERNAMA News Agency