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Anticipation is heating up for the return of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

But before the exciting sporting action, a 21-episode primer titled Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96 will keep fans entertained and warmed up for the upcoming season.

Fans will get a chance to know the student-athletes as well as the coaches, sports luminaries, and alumni, who trace their roots to the country's premier collegiate athletic league.

With that said, here are five reasons why you should watch Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96 as it makes its TV debut tomorrow, May 23, on GTV.

The stories

As spectators, we're in awe of athletes and their seemingly superhuman abilities to perform at the highest level come game time.

But there's more to our favorite athletes than scores, stats, and highlights.

Lost in the mix are the sacrifices and hardships that student-athletes had, and continues, to endure to achieve their dreams.

Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96 puts the spotlight on these stories that are fascinating, touching, heartbreaking, and inspiring all at the same time.

Get to know the student-athletes, league personalities, and legends up close and personal, and discover their journey from their humble beginnings to NCAA glory.

Sophia Senoron

Did you know that Miss Multinational 2017 Sophia Senoron is a sports fan? A big NCAA fan at that.

Sophia follows the league closely especially during her student days at San Beda University.

Needless to say, the NCAA is very dear to Sophia's heart and she has a lot of insights to share with the guests and viewers.

Martin Javier

The new Kapuso sportsman knows the NCAA inside and out, having served as its anchor and analyst for a couple of years.

Martin's vast knowledge about the players and the league will add depth to the conversations and stories being told through the show.

“Alam 'yan ng karamihan ng sports fans sa Pilipinas na it's (NCAA) such a great league. Napakalaki ng potensyal na hindi nata-tap, hindi fully na-e-expose,” Martin told the press during a virtual interview.

“Napakarami pong great players na nagsimula sa NCAA na ngayon ay national athletes who are making the country proud, they are stars in their respective pro leagues.

“So for me it's important for the NCAA to get this kind of platform para malaman pa po ng maraming tao na, 'Uy, meron pala mga ganitong kuwento, 'uy, ito pala 'yong pinanggalingan ng mga atleta na 'to.'”

Photo by: GMA Network

Kapuso stars

Adding star power to the program are the Kapuso stars who will be gracing the show as guests.

For its pilot week, joining Martin and Sophia are Kapuso stars and personalities Derek Ramsay, Kyline Alcantara, Boobay, Kim de Leon, Chef JR Royol, Yasser Marta, Faye Lorenzo, and Elle Villanueva, among others.

Do our Kapuso celebrities have interesting NCAA stories to tell? We'll find out for sure.

Fun and games

The show is not just your ordinary sports program. There's an element of “variety show” thrown in as well, according to Sophia.

Guests - from NCAA players and personalities to visiting celebrities to the hosts - will be participating in cool games and activities prepared for added fun.

It's a great way for fans to see their favorite players having fun and loosening up outside their chosen sport. Plus, it makes the show more interactive and engaging to viewers.

Catch Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96 starting May 23, Sundays at 5:05 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 p.m., and Mondays to Fridays at 2:45 p.m. on GTV.

Kapuso abroad can watch Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96 via GMA Pinoy TV and GMA News TV. Visit www.gmapinoytv.com/subscribe for more details.

Meanwhile, here are some interesting facts about new Kapuso sportscaster Martin Javier: