Verdict paves way for toughest UAAP

MANILA, Philippines - Blue-chip recruits Bobby Ray Parks Jr. of National University and Greg Slaughter of Ateneo hurdled the final obstacle to their much-awaited debuts in the UAAP Season 74 after the board declared them eligible yesterday.

“The board allowed Bobby Ray Parks and Greg Slaughter to play,” UAAP president Ricky Palou announced after the board meeting held to resolve eligibility issues before basketball action starts on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The decision made this year’s edition as the strongest in years with NU installed as serious contender along with Far Eastern U, Adamson and La Salle with Ateneo on track for a rare four-peat bid.

Also cleared were two foreign players, Cameroonian Karim Abdul of University of Santo Tomas, and Nigerian Alinko Mba of University of the East, but on condition they submit certificate of birth authenticated by Phl embassy/consular office from their country of origins by Aug. 11.

“They have until end of first round (Aug. 11) to complete their documents, otherwise, the games they played in will be forfeited,” Palou said.

NU submitted documents proving Parks is exempted from the two-year residency required for students who studied abroad for being a child of an OFW. The board scrutinized and accepted the papers, including a Phl consulate document certifying his mother Shane’s OFW status, and unanimously gave its thumbs-up.

The case of Slaughter, a transferee from University of Visayas, took a long time to settle and according to a source, went to a close 4-3 voting. Slaughter’s status is being questioned under the rule barring players in residence from playing for any other team and competing in another tournament, having played for Smart Gilas Phl squad in the PBA.

“The board had a long and lengthy discussion regarding the various issues and consequences relative to Slaughter’s case. However, in the end, the board accepted in good faith his participation in the national team,” said The STAR source.

Ateneo and NU communities expressed satisfaction with the decision.

“We’re happy Greg will be given the chance to play because he deserves to play, having sacrificed one year in residence and serving the national team,” AdMU team manager Paolo Trillo said.

For his part, NU athletic director Junel Baculi said: “Now we can compete with the other universities.”

With the eligibility issues resolved, the league can now focus on the hardcourt battle ahead.

“The board has spoken,” said Far Eastern University’s Anton Montinola. “Slaughter and Parks will raise the level of competition this year. NU will definitely be a contender with Parks and Ateneo will be a clear favorite to go for their four-peat with Slaughter.”