ONE-and-done… but make it two.
The UAAP is putting a new twist on the graduate-transfer route.
Starting Season 90, any athlete who has already graduated from a university and transfers to a UAAP school will have to sit out one year before becoming eligible to play.
And ironically, they also need to have at least two years of eligibility remaining.
UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag confirmed the change during the season 89 Basketball press conference on Tuesday at Novotel Manila Araneta City.
“Any athlete that has graduated from any university once they transfer, they must sit out one year,” Saguisag said.
“The board wanted somehow for student-athletes to inculcate the culture of their respective schools.”
Sit it out, graduates
The new rule modifies what has been commonly known as the “Troy Rike Rule,” which allowed graduate transfers to enter the UAAP while pursuing further studies.
Rike became the namesake of the rule after transferring to National U following his undergraduate studies abroad.
The pathway has since given teams an avenue to add experienced players who could immediately make an impact despite already graduating from their previous school.
And we've seen that route come into play recently.
Ateneo brought in Dom Escobar, Kymani Ladi and Jaden Lazo, while UP added Quentin Millora-Brown. UE bolstered its line-up by brining in Luis Villegas and La Salle was able to snag Jamie Malonzo, James Laput and Lian Ramiro through the graduate-transfer route
Under the current setup, players like these can provide an immediate boost to their new teams while continuing their education.
But that changes once Season 90 arrives. Graduate transfers can no longer simply arrive, enroll in graduate school, and immediately suit up for their new UAAP team.
That could significantly change how UAAP teams approach the graduate-transfer market moving forward.
So yes, the one-and-done era is getting a little complicated.
Because under the new UAAP rule… one-and done needs two.
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