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| PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial. Photo: PBA Images. |
In a formal letter addressed to the UAAP Board of Directors through Executive Director Rebo Saguisag, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial explained that the move would not disrupt the college careers of student-athletes. He assured that any player drafted would still be able to finish the UAAP season before reporting to his professional team.
The PBA will stage its annual rookie draft on September 7, less than a month before the league tips off its milestone 50th season on October 5. On the other hand, the UAAP’s next season will begin on September 19 and is expected to run until early December, directly overlapping with the PBA’s schedule.
At present, the UAAP does not allow its players to declare for the draft until after their season concludes. This contrasts with the NCAA, which has been more flexible and permits its athletes to file applications midseason. Marcial noted that the current UAAP rule leaves some players stuck in limbo, forcing them to delay their PBA entry by nearly a full year.
Several collegiate stars are among the most talked-about prospects for the upcoming draft. La Salle standout Mike Phillips, UST’s backcourt duo Forthsky Padrigao and Nic Cabanero, UP guards Gerry Abadiano and Terrence Fortea, UE’s John Abate, and Adamson big man Cedric Manzano are all projected to draw strong interest from PBA teams. Meanwhile, La Salle’s Kean Baclaan and Jacob Cortez, both still holding a year of eligibility, could also be in the mix should the rules allow them to file.
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| La Salle star Mike Phillips. Photo: UAAP |
Marcial emphasized that approving the request would create a “win-win” scenario. He believes UAAP athletes would stay motivated throughout their collegiate run, knowing that their performance and popularity would carry over into the professional ranks. At the same time, PBA teams would be ready to support draftees as they balance their final UAAP commitments.
“The PBA and its teams are open to extending every possible assistance so that these young players can still perform at their highest level in the UAAP,” Marcial said.
Now, the ball is in the UAAP’s court: will the league open the door for its players to chase their professional dreams without waiting for the season to end?