Will collegiate players still be allowed to see action in Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3, even if the first-of-its-kind league has turned professional?
That is among the concerns raised now that Chooks 3×3 has gained the nod of the Games and Amusement Board to become the country’s first-ever 3×3 pro league, Wednesday.
In its maiden staging last year, when the league was still under semi-pro status, collegiate players were allowed to play, such as University of the East transferee Rey Suerte and Shane Menina of University of Cebu.
For GAB chairman Baham Mitra, the collegiate leagues, such as the UAAP and the NCAA, could provide much clearer answers as far as eligibility of the players is concerned.
“That question should be addressed by UAAP and NCAA,” he said during Wednesday’s online press conference streamed live via Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas’ official Facebook page.
But the GAB itself, the amiable executive said, is very much open to allowing college cagers to play in Chooks 3×3 as guest players.
Mitra even cited the Azkals’ Under-22 as an example, as the development team is among the teams set to compete in the 2020 Philippines Football League.
The U-22 squad is among the six teams losted in the suspended PFL season, along with Global-Makati, Kaya-Iloilo, Mendiola, Stallion Laguna, and United City Football Club, formerly Ceres-Negros.
“Siguro iba ang pagkakilala niyo sa GAB noon, iba sa ngayon. Ngayon kasi flexible kami,” Mitra said. “If you remember noon, in the professional leagues, amateur and guest players were allowed to play including guest teams.
“In the Philippine Football League, the national team Under-22 is a participant. So even if it is a professional league, we will allow guest players to come in.”
And if ever the collegiate leagues would need assistance whatsoever with the matter, GAB is more than willing to lend a helping hand, Mitra assured.
“Kung meron pong mga appeals from the collegiate league, welcome ‘yan. We are willing to assist, we can admit them as guest players.”
