Expect less fanfare in the next PBA draft after the UAAP has "politely declined" the league’s request to allow college players to declare for the draft. UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag made this clear, but it may change in the future.
Reports said that PBA commissioner Willie Marcial asked the UAAP to allow its players to declare for the draft even during the collegiate season.
Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the UAAP press conference last 27 August at the University of Santo Tomas, Saguisag said that the appeal was "politely declined" because of "implications" in the overall policy of the league.
He stressed that the proposal will not only cover basketball.
"I think the rationale, again, we know the merit and advantages that it will grant the student-athletes. However, yun na nga, when we make that decision kasi, it's not per sport or per division. It's for the whole sporting program of all events," he said.
"So may implication siya, hindi siya basta-basta. We have to politely decline at least for this season na hindi namin mapagbibigyan yung request na magpa-draft yung players in the midst, or actually even before the basketball season begins. Medyo marami siyang implications eh," he added.
Players, though, could still declare for the draft. However, if they do so, they will forego their eligibility.
"Ganun yung mangyayari. Wala kaming binabawalan. It's just that our rule is right now, if you join the draft, you forego your eligibility," he said.
Saguisag bared that Marcial "understood" the UAAP’s position.
But while the rule remains for now, the league will have a "really deep study” on the implications of all the sporting events of the UAAP.
UAAP Board of Managing Directors president and UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics director Rev. Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P. also emphasized the need to look into the proposed change.
"The board discussed the request coming from PBA, but you know, this is a policy issue. It has an effect on other sports. So, once we decide something about this request, it has an effect on other sports," Cansancio said.
"We need time kasi medyo short ang time na binigay sa amin. We need time to discuss more about this proposal moving forward," he added.
UAAP players like Mike Phillips, Forthsky Padrigao, Nic Cabanero and Jake Figueroa are among the big names who are in their final UAAP season.
The deadline for the PBA draft application is this Friday.
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