IN THE future, varsity teams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association will have to rely on Fil-heritage athletes to beef up their lineups as member schools are no longer allowed to recruit foreign players.
In 2012, the NCAA policy board approved the proposal to disallow member schools from recruiting foreign players for their teams.
The new rule took effect in 2014 and the full impact of their decision will be felt within the next two years.
“Iyung mga imports, baka patapusin na lang namin. Kaya iyung recruitment sa college, kailangan ng pagtibayin,” said San Beda College team manager Jude Roque.
Roque explained that Fil-heritage players will be the best source of talent for their teams if they look for cagers abroad.
The Red Lions have three imports to choose from to play for them when season 93 starts next week.
Arnaud Noah, Nigerian Eugene Toba and Cameroonian Donald Tankoua can come aboard, depending on coach Boyet Fernandez when he finalizes the Red Lions’ roster.
The University of Perpetual Help Altas will banner Prince Eze, while the Lyceum Pirates have Cameroonian Mike Harry Nzeusseu. The Arellano Chiefs are betting on Elie Ongolo Ongolo.
For Roque, this means that the Red Lions will also have to look for the best local players they can find.
“We will have to look for the best local players for the team,” added Roque. “Our goal is to keep that NCAA trophy at San Beda and we expect it to be tougher after our recent victory.”