The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has approved a new eligibility regulation that mandates transferee “one-and-done” student-athletes to complete a mandatory one-year residency before competing in the men’s basketball tournament, beginning in Season 90.
UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag announced the update Tuesday, explaining that the rule targets student-athletes transferring from outside universities or colleges to a UAAP member institution.
League officials designed the requirement to ensure incoming transfers spend sufficient time assimilating into their new academic and athletic communities before suiting up for competition. Discussed as early as last season, the policy comes in response to a growing trend of single-season collegiate transfers, such as Season 88 Ateneo players Kymani Ladi, Jaden Lazo, and Dominic Escobar.
“Any athlete that has graduated from any university, once they transfer, they’ll have to sit out one year,” Saguisag said.
“The rationale is the board wanted somehow for the student-athletes to inculcate the culture of their respective schools before they compete,” he added. “They should know what it means to be [in the school that they are playing in.]”
Meanwhile, UAAP Season 89 will launch on Saturday, September 12, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, featuring performances by hip-hop artist Gloc-9 and entertainer Vice Ganda.