Schools have final say on possible Gilas player release

UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag made it clear on Wednesday that the league won’t decide if college players will be allowed to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

That call, he said, rests with the players’ respective schools–not the UAAP and not PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial.

READ: SBP: Norman Black will have free hand to form SEA Games team

“The teams will have the discretion if they’ll lend their players [for the SEA Games] if ever, for now,” said Saguisag on Wednesday after a press conference at University of Santo Tomas.

“I [also] don’t think it’s really Commissioner Willie’s concern… I think the SBP, and this has also been established before, they also understand that they have to support also the UAAP and our local leagues.”

With the SEA Games competition not part of the Fiba calendar, the tournament is right smack in the middle of the major basketball leagues like the UAAP, NCAA and the PBA, and the likes of Japan B.League and Korean Basketball League overseas.

While coach Norman Black, who will be taking the reins for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming regional meet, is given free rein in handpicking his own crew that’ll fly to Thailand, he faces roster struggles.

READ: ‘Different’ Gilas team to defend gold that matters in SEA Games

No shortlist of names has been made yet with four months to go before the competition, where Gilas Pilipinas looks to defend its gold medal.

Saguisag, though, said that the UAAP and the SBP are in close contact.

“The good thing here is, Erika Dy is a very good friend and we have constant communication. They understand our position,” Saguisag said.

“Erika Dy also came from the UAAP and she understands the grassroots program so we thank her for her support.”