The University Athletic Association of the Philippines has approved the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ request to allow its student-athletes to participate in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
In a statement released by the league on Wednesday — and discussed with coaches last Monday — players from the six eliminated schools are eligible to join the national team for the regional meet, which is set from December 9 to 20 in Thailand.
This decision prompted the league to open the second round of its basketball tournaments with 10 games today.
A six-game slate is also scheduled for November 2, featuring Far Eastern University vs. Adamson University and National University vs. De La Salle University across all three divisions.
The elimination rounds of both the collegiate men’s and women’s tournaments are tentatively set to conclude on November 23.
Norman Black is hoping to secure Kymani Ladi of Ateneo and Mike Phillips of La Salle for Gilas Men.
Meanwhile, Patrick Aquino’s pool includes Kacey dela Rosa of Ateneo, Kent Pastrana of UST, Yvette Villanueva of FEU, and the NU trio of Angel Surada, Ann Pingol, and Tin Cayabyab.
The league also confirmed that it will continue its six-games-per-day schedule for basketball.
The rationale is to give all student-athletes the experience of playing in the country’s premier venues.
Games typically start at 7:30 AM with two Junior High School Boys’ games and conclude late in the evening with a Collegiate Women’s match.
“The board feels that it is in the interest of the league and schools that all six games are played in the same venue,” said UAAP Season 88 Vice President Mark Molina.
“It’s better for our student-athletes that all six games are played in MOA or Araneta, or the best venues possible. That is why we are sticking with the six-game schedule.”
