Willie Marcial hopeful UAAP — in near future — will allow active players to join PBA Draft

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial completely understands the UAAP's opting not to let its active players join the draft.

Marcial told One Sports he was already informed of the decision by UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag.

“Kausap ko si Atty. Rebo. Nag-usap kami. Tinawagan niya ako,” Marcial said.

“[They cannot allow it] kasi all sports. Kapag sinimulan ninyo sa basketball, all sports na 'yong magagalaw, hindi lang basketball.”

[RELATED STORY: UAAP will not let players join PBA Draft in middle of season — for now]

In a separate interview, Saguisag said he politely declined Marcial’s request due to possible implications to the collegiate league's regulations across all sports.

According to UAAP rules, a player who applies for a professional draft pool automatically forgoes his eligibility.

Aside from basketball, volleyball also has a professional league in the PVL.

We know the merits and advantages that it will grant the student athletes. However, when we make a decision, it's not per sport or per division. It's for the whole sporting program of all events," Saguisag said.

"So may implications. Hindi basta-basta. So we had to politely decline, at least for this season," he added.

Saguisag clarified, however, that a UAAP player may choose to join the PBA draft, but the rule still remains.

"Of course, they can be drafted. It's their choice. But they have to make a choice. They forgo eligibility. Ganoon ang mangyayari," Saguisag said.

"Wala kaming binabawalan. It's just that our rule, right now, if you join the draft, you forgo your eligibility."

But the UAAP isn’t closing its doors to this proposal, according to Marcial.

“Pero open naman sila… Pinagaaralan pa lang nila. Wala namang promise pero open pa rin sila,” Marcial said.

The PBA chief is hopeful that the UAAP will reconsider, be it next season or in the foreseeable future.

“Sana, in the near future, kapag nagkaroon ulit ng pagkakataon,” Marcial said.