The NCAA is proposing a reduction in the residency period for transferees from non-member schools.
Currently in its proposal stages, the Grand Old League’s management committee is working on reducing the residency period for transfers from leagues like the UAAP, UCAL, CESAFI, and NAASCU.
Instead of sitting out a full academic year, transferees will only need to sit out one semester before becoming eligible to compete in the NCAA.
The proposal is still under study regarding its impact on the number of athletic scholarships a school can award per year.
The primary reason for this proposal is to enhance competition among the league’s member schools.
Over the past decade, transferees from UAAP member schools have played a crucial role in turning around the fortunes of various schools.
Notable players such as Robert Bolick (La Salle) and CJ Perez (Ateneo) paved the way for back-to-back San Beda-Lyceum finals from seasons 93 to 94.
From seasons 95 to 98, Letran bolstered its roster by acquiring transferees Larry Muyang (La Salle), Fran Yu (UE), and UST’s Rhenz Abando and Brent Paraiso, leading to a three-peat.
College of Saint Benilde also had a gallant run in Season 97 by being led by the likes of Will Gozum (UP), Miggy Corteza (La Salle), JC Cullar (UE), and Jimboy Pasturan (Adamson).
Furthermore, the last three NCAA Most Valuable Players have been transferees from the UAAP, namely Abando, Gozum, and Clint Escamis.
Meanwhile, NCAA-to-NCAA transfers will still require a full academic year of sit-out time.
Another consideration on the NCAA’s agenda is the potential shift of the seniors’ basketball tournament to the second semester.
