Jason Cibull is sacrificing a year of eligibility to give himself more time to adjust to La Salle.
The 6-foot master’s student-athlete will sit out the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament, opting instead to make his debut in Season 90.
The decision stems from Cibull’s desire to further learn La Salle’s culture and adjust to the system of head coach Topex Robinson.
“Jason only arrived in June, and he felt that he needed more time to adjust to the UAAP,” said Robinson to Tiebreaker Times.
“He was supposed to be eligible this season as a one-and-done player, but he made the decision to sit this season out and play in Season 90 instead.”
Cibull graduated from Stanislaus State last year but decided to come to the Philippines.
He suited up for the Green Archers in several tournaments, including the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, AsiaBasket NSAC, and the Roxas City Invitational Tournament.
Despite getting an early look at the team, Cibull felt he needed more time to fully adjust, vowing to use his gap year to further develop his game and become more familiar with the La Salle system.
It also helped that Cibull sought advice from Lian Ramiro, La Salle’s one-and-done guard in UAAP Season 87.
Cibull’s decision to sit out could also benefit the Green Archers in the long run, as Jacob Cortez and Jcee Macalalag are set to graduate after this season, potentially opening up a bigger role for him when he finally takes the floor.
“The good thing is Jacob and Jcee will be graduating after this season, so by the time Jason plays in Season 90, he will already have a bigger role to play,” said Robinson.
“He’ll be one of our leaders, and having this extra year to adjust, understand the system, and get comfortable with the UAAP will really help him.”
