New UAAP eligibility rule 'unfair' for student-athletes - Topex Robinson

Metro Manila, Philippines — Student athletes jumping from one member school to another is not new in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Some notable blue chip players have transferred recently to boost their athletic careers and at the same time avail of the best education.

Mindful of the trend, the UAAP has announced it will implement a new eligibility rule that will sideline a transferring player for two years. The league previously had a one-year residency policy.

The new rule takes effect in the upcoming Season 87 or beginning academic year 2024-2025.

READ: UAAP to enforce new two-year transfer eligibility rule

High-profile transferees include Forthsky Padrigao and Kyle Paranada moving to the University of Santo Tomas, and Rey Remogat to the University of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, reigning men's basketball champion De La Salle University got the most number of recruits with Mason Amos, Kean Baclaan, and Luis Pablo joining the Taft-based squad.

For La Salle head coach Topex Robinson, he said the new rule is unfair to the student athletes as it impacts their college journey.

The 49-year-old mentor said the directive limits the choices of athletes on what works best for them.

“It's taking away the opportunity for a human being to choose where he wants, not only to play basketball but also get a degree. But at the end of the day, we respect what the board decides on as far as that aspect of losing two years, it's really big for them,” Robinson said.

“We always welcome whoever wants to play for us, it's gonna be their choice,” he added.

Baclaan and Pablo will be following the old eligibility rule while Amos is covered by the new rule.

La Salle will begin its title defense quest against National University on Sept. 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.