By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) decision of disallowing foreign student-athletes in the upcoming 96th season is now final.
Season 96 Management Committee Chairman Fr. Vic Calvo, OP of Letran explained their take on the presence of foreigners in the league, saying that they hinder the development of the local players.
“As of the moment, majority of the NCAA schools agree na mas maraming negative na nadudulot ‘yung presence ng import,” said Fr. Calvo during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum.
Since 2018, before the start of the NCAA Season 93, the Grand Old League’s Management Committee unanimously voted the banning of foreign student-athletes and was approved by the policy board, effective for Season 96.
“The NCAA realizes na ‘yung presence ng mga foreign players as of the moment has done more harm than good sa basketball,” added Fr. Calvo.
Meanwhile, Season 95 chairman Peter Cayco thanked all the foreign student-athletes who participated in the past seasons, claiming that because of them Filipino players learned how to play against bigger and heftier opponents.
