The last edition received a good response as most of the matches drew large crowds of spectators and created a lively atmosphere, a rarity for a basketball tournament in Thailand.

The third episode has attracted a total of 12 men's teams and 12 women's squads including three newcomers.

In the men's division, defending champions Hi-Tech are drawn in Group A along with Bangkok Bank, Royal Thai Air Force, Sun Spark, Dam Paknam and Suphanburi Club.

Last year's runners-up Tiew Pai Ngarm are in Group B with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), Tiew Pai Ngarm B, SK Polymate, the Royal Thai Navy and the Royal Thai Army.

Supported by Nation Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and Siam University, the meet will also serve as a selection trial for the Bangkok Universiade and also the SEA games in Nakhon Ratchasima.

"As the host country, we at the Basketball Association of Thailand [BAT] hope that our teams make a mark in both the Games.

"We are planning to pick 30 talented players during the tournament," said BAT's secretary-general Saroch Kun-eepong.

Preliminary rounds will take place at Siam University's gymnasium, while the semi-final and final rounds will be held at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.

Apart from the prize money, the event also offers the prestigious trophies of His Majesty the King and a Bt10,000 Most Valuable Player Award.