STUDENT athletes of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines won’t be allowed to join the Philippine Basketball Association Draft and turn professional while league competitions are going on.
Officials of the UAAP said this on Wednesday after they rejected the PBA’s request to allow senior players in Season 88 to take part in the coming PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft.
“We know the merits and advantages of this. The decision is for the whole program. So, we had to decline for this season,” said UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag.
The PBA will have its annual rookie draft selection on Sept. 7 at SM Mall of Asia.
Before the draft, the PBA made a proposal to the UAAP to allow its student athletes, who still have playing years in the collegiate league, to join the pro league.
Among the players making their intentions to join the PBA Draft were La Salle’s Mike Phillips, UST’s Forthsky Padrigao and Nic Cabanero, UE’s John Abate, Adamson’s Cedrick Manzano.
Also expected to make a decision to turn pro soon are University of the Philippines’ Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, and Terrence Forthea.
“Hindi namin pinagbigyan ang request for players to be drafted in the middle of the season,” said Saguisag, adding that the pro league even invited players to join the draft even before the UAAP season began.
“Kailangang pag-aralan ito with all its implications,” said Saguisag.
