UAAP opens door to changing times

The UAAP, trying to cope with the changing times in the local basketball landscape, feels upbeat even as it hopes to come up with a more organized, trouble-free staging of the country’s most glamorous varsity league.

The decision to tap the resources of the US-affiliated Asian Basketball Academy Philippines as tournament director is but one step that would further enhance the image of the league following disputes in the technical aspect in the past.

Stricter rules with regard to foreign players will be adopted to further sustain the success of the league. It also issued a warning to players that it will not allow itself to be used as a means towards a career in the pro league.

These are some of the changes being made by the UAAP, according to Anton Montinola, the senior board representative of this year’s host Far Eastern U during yesterday’s launching of the 64th UAAP season at the ABS-CBN compound.

The UAAP cage wars blasts off Saturday with an explosive twinbill at the Araneta Coliseum.

Far Eastern U, the runner-up last season, opens its campaign against Santo Tomas at 4 p.m. while University of the Philippines and Adamson University clash at 2 p.m.

Montinola promises a fast-paced, more thrilling action this year although focus will be on how ABA Phils. will provide its expertise and experience in helping ensure the success of the league.

"We believe there is no other group that has the same resources, organizational structure and connections as the ABA Phils, and which shares many of the UAAP’s long-term goals," said Montinola.

Headed by PBA coach Chot Reyes, the ABA Phils. boasts of its year-round schedule of first-class training programs for players for all ages, coaches, trainers and even for administrators, executives and officials.

ABS CBN’s broadcast group will telecast the UAAP games on Studio 23 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. — With reports from Joey Villar