When the University of the Philippines made their final bow in front of thousands of Iskos and Iskas at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday evening, only two Fighting Maroons were at the front: graduating seniors CJ Cansino and Malick Diouf.
Many wondered why JD Cagulangan did not join his fellow captains in what had been a UAAP tradition for graduating seniors.
Well, Cagulangan still has one more year left of eligibility.
It can be recalled that a month after UAAP Season 82, Cagulangan decided to pack his bags and leave De La Salle University. Though committed to the University of the Philippines, he did not directly go to Diliman.
According to multiple UP sources, Cagulangan enrolled at St. Clare during the pandemic before completing a transfer to UP.
Before UAAP Season 85, league rules stated that transfers from one UAAP school to another member university would result in the student-athlete sitting out one year while also reducing his playing years.
However, there was a loophole in the rule which Cagulangan availed of. Though a new rule has been implemented, it does not cover the batch of Cagulangan, making him still eligible for UAAP Season 87.
But will he take it? Even Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde does not know.
“Wala naman siya nasabi. I know he has one more year of eligibility, but he has never naman niya binangggit,” said Monteverde after Game 3.
“He’s still with the team.”
Cagulangan, though, has motivation to come back. The 23-year-old floor general only put up averages of 8.33 points on a total of 8-of-27 clip from the field and 3.33 assists in the finals.
But again, will he take it?
