UAAP 78th season opens Aug?

MANILA, Philippines - The UAAP looks at moving the opening of Season 78 to August 2015 to adjust to the new academic calendar being implemented by most member-universities.

According to Rod Roque, the league’s current secretary-treasurer, there is a “60-40” chance that the season kickoff may be moved one month back as incoming host University of the Philippines and four others have already starting opening their classes last August.

“Since UP will be hosting next season, and they are starting in August, they might open up second week of August,” said Roque during yesterday’s PSA Forum.

“I can say that there is a 60-40 chance na lilipat sa August next year ang opening ng basketball (for basketball opening to be moved to August next year). But we will still tackle this in a board meeting,” said Roque of the University of the East.

Universities in the country are synchronizing their school calendars with the Asean region, eventually starting in the month of September.

“It’s inevitable classes will start in September,” said Roque.

Aside from the schedule, the UAAP exec said changes in eligibility rules are also being eyed, particularly on the limitation of foreign player per school and the controversial two-year residency rule.

“Starting Season 78, only one foreign player will be allowed in the lineup. Only one foreign player. And then soon, we are also thinking of the possibility that by 2015-2016, no more recruitment of foreign athletes,” said Roque.

Fil-foreign students, he clarified, will still be allowed.

As for the two-year sit-out for high school graduates transferring from one UAAP school to another, Roque said the league maintains a status quo.

“But we’ll discuss it in the board if we can cut it to one-year residency in Season 78. Probably there will come a time we won’t be requiring residency periods anymore because the UAAP is for the improvement of sport, we’re not anti-players,” said Roque.