AUTONOMOUS was how the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) described the Ateneo men's basketball team in the wake of the deaths of Blue Eagles Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
With still more questions than answers in the aftermath of the tragedy, the CIDG has stated it has gotten information that 'planning and funding are handled by the foundation,' referring to the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF), which has since clarified that its 'role is limited to providing funding' and that it 'does not own or manage' the squad.
READ: MVP Sports Foundation clarifies role in Ateneo basketball program
After these statements were made, social media went buzzing, with more than a few exposing the so-called open secret that all UAAP basketball teams actually have a life of their own.
It has long been known that the MVPSF and Smart, both backed by sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan, serve as Ateneo's main sponsors. The same can be said for Enrique Razon at La Salle; Hans Sy at National U; San Miguel Corp. (SMC), led by sports director Alfrancis Chua, at University of Santo Tomas; and Robina Gokongwei and nowheretogobutUP Foundation, among others, at the University of the Philippines.
The misconception is that basketball teams are detached from a school's athletic director and sports program, in general, and is instead controlled completely by their major backer/s.
Maybe not
However, a high-ranking official of a UAAP member-school, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, was of the mind that 'autonomous' wasn't necessarily the right word to describe how basketball teams operate.
"Baka mas tamang independent," the official quipped.
By Merriam-Webster dictionary definition, 'autonomous' means having the right or power of self-government undertaken without outside control.
Several sources from other member-schools, though, made it clear that's not the case with them - especially the part stating 'without outside control.'
"Seriously, every decision has to go through our athletics office. It they say no, then we cannot proceed. Whether recruitment, tournaments, or simple activities outside campus, kailangan ng approval," a source who also opted to remain unnamed said.
"It has always been our practice to inform and ask for approval before proceeding."
Another anonymous source added, "Ever since, lahat ng galaw ng basketball or any other sport, well-coordinated sa athletics office namin."
The same is true for Far Eastern University, with Tamaraws shot-caller Sean Chambers stressing that he was hired and is employed by the school and reports to Mark Molina, its athletic director.
SMC's contributions to the Growling Tigers' program, meanwhile, still goes through the Institute of Physical and Athletics (IPEA) under Fr. Rodel Cansancio, OP, who also serves as their de facto athletic director.
For their part, the Fighting Maroons remain well under the purview of Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD) Director Bo Perasol, even more so, as he was once the team's head coach.
"Lahat ng galaw ng MBT (men's basketball team), or any other varsity team for that matter, dumadaan sa OASD. In fact, hindi lang OASD, kundi iba pang school officials," said Perasol, detailing that before being eligible to play, all State U student-athletes have to get the greenlight from a screening panel composed of heads of a handful of UP offices.
All sources, named and unnamed, were in agreement that sponsors play a key role in bankrolling the operations of basketball teams, especially with how high competition has turned up in terms of player recruitment and development.
At the same time, they asserted that their respective athletic directors always have a say on matters - meaning a sponsor cannot have complete control over a basketball team.
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