FOR the UAAP, the issue of collegiate standouts opting to bring their acts overseas is a double-edge sword: it is definitely a concern, but it will only lead to better lives for the student-athletes.
“It’s in line with our goal to give the student-athletes the best position to succeed and give their families an opportunity for a better life,” league executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag said in the recent online Philippine Sportswriters Association forum.
“It may be a concern, but we’re happy where the student-athletes are going,” he added.
The likes of Ateneo’s Dwight Ramos, brothers Javi and Juan Gomez de Liaño and Kobe Paras of University of the Philippines chose to bring their acts to the Japan B. League last year despite still being eligible to suit up for their teams.
The Blue Eagles’ SJ Belangel and RJ Abarrientos of Far Eastern University followed suit this year in the Korean Basketball League.
Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM, 85th UAAP season president of host Adamson University, maintained that overseas leagues provide added opportunities for players.
“We have to take note that the professional opportunity of basketball in the Philippines is very limited, and we have an overwhelming supply of basketball players. We have millions of basketball players all over the Philippines kasi sabi nga nila, we’re a basketball country,” Suan said. “Now, if you have an oversupply of skills at very limited ang professional venue for you to express your skills, why curtail the opportunity for other people?
“Iyong lang naman iyon. It creates an opportunity. Why not always grab the opportunity?
For us to grow, we must always grab the opportunity, and these offers from outside the country, it’s an opportunity so let’s grab it.”
The league’s second straight season this year kicks off on Oct. 1 with the centerpiece cage wars.
Defending champion University of the Philippines takes on La Salle in the opening match at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Soaring Falcons battle University of Santo Tomas in the other game.
Saguisag insisted there are still lots of talents in the UAAP.
