Changing The Recruitment Game (Part 2)

Now this has irked several Ateneo alumni who have been eager to see Pingoy join Kiefer Ravena in the Blue Eagles backcourt. The sudden rule change has prompted some die-hard Ateneans to clamor for ADMU to abandon the UAAP and rejoin the NCAA. An Ateneo comeback will definitely bring back the NCAA’s old luster. Ateneo de Manila was one of the pioneers in the NCAA anyway. It held the most men’s basketball titles with 14 when it quit the NCAA right after the 1977 season, following a riot-marred finals series versus San Beda. But while this idea is very interesting, it is highly unlikely to see the light of day.

The UAAP defended the amendment by saying that it was meant to protect the interests of member schools. It may offer some sort of protection. Perhaps Pingoy will change his mind and stick it out with FEU. A player of his caliber doesn’t need to sit out a single year. He can immediately create an impact in the senior level. But if Pingoy has his mind set already in donning the blue and white, will he still play his heart out for the Tams? Maybe he will. But only God knows. The point is it’s never a good idea to restrain one’s free will. read full story