The possibility of recruiting and allowing foreign athletes to play again will be up for consideration in the future.
For the meantime, letting import-students see action in the National Collegiate Athletic Association will end after next season.
Policy board chairman Antonio Tamayo of season 94 host University of Perpetual Help said this as competitions in the men’s and junior basketball start this Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“That decision will done by other policy board members. But for now, this is the stand of the policy board,” said Tamayo during yesterday’s press conference at the Mall of Asia Arena lobby.
Tamayo explained that this year, they are committed to bringing the level of competition to a higher level, showcasing the talent of homegrown athletes.
Among the imports still eligible to play under the new rule are Perpetual’s Prince Eze, Arellano University’s Eli Ongolo-Ongolo, College of St. Benilde’s Clement Leutcheu, Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Hamadu Laminou, Lyceum of the Philippines University’s Mike Nzeusseu, and San Beda University’s Donald Tankoua, Arnaud Noah and Eugene Toba.
This means that after Season 95, none of the imports recruited since 2013 will no longer play in the league, nor any recruitment will take place.
When the season begins this Saturday, the defending champion San Beda Red Lions start their bid to extend their reign when they take on the University of Perpetual Help Altas at 2 p.m.
Last year’s runner-up Lyceum will clash with the San Sebastian Stags at 4 p.m.
The Red Lions are among the favorites with Robert Bolick, Javee Mocon and Tankoua, the season MVP last year, coming back to play.
Former San Beda coach Frankie Lim, now head coach of Perpetual Help, will make the game interesting as the Altas take on the Lions, who won four championships under him.
Tamayo also revealed that joining indoor volleyball competitions will now be mandatory for all schools.