Just determined local players like Mark Cruz, Jom Sollano and Kevin Racal.īut now that the league has finalized its decision, perhaps we should now focus on how to retain a more global brand of play with an all-Filipino league. Whom did Letran have that time? No imports. They won the 2015 NCAA championship against the San Beda Red Lions who had Ola Adeogun and Tankoua, two of the best imports the NCAA ever had. Just like the Letran Knights who until now practice the tradition of playing with an all-Filipino lineup. Imports have also been in the league for a couple of years already so why ban them now? There is already a rule limiting each college team to sign just two imports. These student-athlete foreigners aren’t just basketball players, they’re staying for their education too. Even with the talent Pinoys have, losing foreigners could water down the competitiveness they provide to the leagues or lose the chance to adjust their style of play given the size and athleticism of these foreigners. And oh, who were the best players of the Pirates that time? CJ Perez, the Marcellino twins, and Reymar Caduyac: all Pinoys who gave the entire league a hard time including powerhouse San Beda Red Lions. Look at the LPU Pirates-they went undefeated in the eliminations round last season not because they relied on Mike Nzeusseu alone but because they played as a great team. Just because there are foreign players doesn’t mean teams can’t rely on their local talents. But just because imports are part of the game doesn’t mean locals can’t step up. With this ruling, some locals will see more action and will rely less on their foreign teammates. But I do also think that Philippine collegiate basketball can and will improve even without foreign cagers. Having foreign players on the floor is instrumental to locals-not just in the Philippines but everywhere, really-to rise to global competition. But the decision to ban non-Filipino players is hurtful for hardworking and committed foreign student-athletes.īasketball is a global sport, I get it. Sure, 90 percent of the league are Filipinos and a handful of them often makes it and shines in the PBA. With this ban, the NCAA will refocus on their primary goal: to develop and nurture local athletes. LPU Pirates import Mike Nzeusseu lends his hands to Robert Bolick of San Beda Red Lions Was it right though to forbid foreign student-athletes who somehow intensify the level of competition by challenging locals to step up their game? Does the league need foreign players for the locals to improve? But, instead of pushing through with the idea, foreign athletes were eventually banned-at least not until 2020. With all the recognitions given to foreign players who have been naturally successful in dominating their positions, a suggestion to have a separate category for foreigners was even discussed. Just because there are foreign players doesn’t mean teams can’t rely on their local talents In the last two seasons, Finals MVP awardees were also non-Filipinos: Arnaud Noah and Tankoua of San Beda Red Lions. The other four-Allwell Oraeme, Donald Tankoua, Bright Akhuetie, and Hamadou Laminou-were all foreigners. In 2016, Jio Jalalon was the only homegrown player who was included in Season 92’s Mythical Five selection. This prohibition will most likely affect schools getting enormous help from non-Filipino players like Clement Lentcheu of College of St. Who really stands to benefit from the ban? By Klyde Manansala | Photos by Luis TamondongĪfter years of debates, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has finally decided to rule out all foreign players from all sports categories by Season 96, regardless of how many years they still have left to play.Īccording to NCAA management committee chairman Frank Gusi, foreign players who are still eligible to play after Season 96 will not be excused.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |