UAAP rejects PBA draft request, studies broader implications

The UAAP has declined the PBA's request to allow its players to declare for the draft while still participating in their collegiate season, unless they opt to forgo their college eligibility.

UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag explained that this decision involves broader implications beyond just basketball, affecting all sports within the league and involving 20 sporting events.

The UAAP Board of Managing Directors is conducting a thorough study to evaluate the implications of allowing players to declare for drafts during their collegiate seasons, with plans to refer it to an eligibility committee for further analysis.

Mr. Saguisag noted that while they are considering the possibility of letting seniors get drafted mid-tournament in the future, similar to what the NCAA already does, current rules require student-athletes to forfeit their eligibility if they apply for the draft.

At present, the UAAP considers players who get picked in the PBA draft as 'pros', regardless of whether or not they sign with a team.