A PROPOSAL to move the juniors basketball competitions of the UAAP from the first to the second semester is gaining the support of member schools, according to one of its proponents.
Far Eastern University athletic director Mark Molina said other member schools also agree that holding the high school tournament in the second semester, and not in conjunction with the more popular seniors basketball competitions in the first semester, will be to the league's advantage.
“The schools are in favor of it so I think it will push through,” said Molina.
A source told Spin.ph the UAAP board is already considering making the switch the juniors basketball tournament as early as next season with a January 2015 opening.
Molina, however, said possible changes are still up for discussion.
“Amendments committee will discuss details for recommendation to the board in April,” said Molina.
By moving the juniors competition to the second semester, FEU said the tournament will avoid a conflict in schedule with international basketball tournaments, thereby allowing the best possible junior players to see action for the national team.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is supporting the move of the UAAP.
“Perennial problem ‘yan because of the school calendar,” said SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, referring to the absence of available players for the national youth team.
Just last year, the UAAP was forced to stop play after the Final Four due to the Fiba-Asia Under-16 Championship in Tehran and the Fiba 3x3 Under-18 Championship in Jakarta where several UAAP players were tapped to be part of the national team.
FEU also said the move will allow the league to have a permanent set of technical officials since the basketball tournament will now run for the whole year.
FEU also sees the change in the calendar of juniors basketball competition will attract more audience.
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