UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag clarified that the decision on whether college players will join Gilas Pilipinas in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games lies with the players’ schools, not the UAAP or PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, as the tournament falls outside FIBA’s calendar and overlaps with local leagues’ schedules.
The UAAP will not dictate if student-athletes can suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag said on Wednesday.
Speaking after a press conference at the University of Santo Tomas, Saguisag explained that the decision rests solely with the schools. “So no commitment yet, pinag-aaralan pa. Magiging discretion lang ng teams kung magpapahiram sila if ever, for now, (The teams will have the discretion if they’ll lend their players if ever, for now,)” he said, emphasizing that it is neither the UAAP’s nor PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial’s call.
Saguisag added that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) also recognizes the importance of supporting the UAAP and other domestic leagues. The SEA Games is not part of the official FIBA calendar, and its schedule overlaps with major basketball competitions such as the UAAP, NCAA, PBA, as well as overseas leagues like Japan’s B.League and Korea’s KBL.
With veteran coach Norman Black tasked to lead Gilas Pilipinas in the regional meet in Thailand, roster-building is expected to be challenging. No shortlist of players has been finalized, though the team has about four months left to prepare as it aims to defend its gold medal.
Despite the potential hurdles, Saguisag noted that coordination between the UAAP and SBP remains smooth. “Ang maganda dito, Erika Dy is a very good friend and we have constant communication, (The good thing here is, Erika Dy is a very good friend and we have constant communication.)” he said.