A former import himself, FEU head coach Sean Chambers welcomed the latest development regarding the UAAP and its handling of foreign student-athletes.
The UAAP will be allowing a maximum of two foreign-student athletes per team starting in Season 89, and FEU Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers believes it's a step in the right direction.
Having played as an import himself in the PBA, where he won six championships with the Alaska Aces, Chambers had good things to say about the latest rule change that has turned heads from both directions.
Also involved in the national team program with Gilas Pilipinas, Chambers pointed to upping the ante for local players as key to their growth. Having two FSAs in one team will make sure of that.
[RELATED: UAAP to allow two foreign student-athletes per team starting Season 89]
“It adds to the game because especially for those who are going to play at an international level, we don't have guys that are like 6'9" [and] 6'10" that have played in the middle. We won't get used to playing against that when we play international basketball,” Chambers told One Sports.
“Every team [internationally] has a guy that's about 6'9", 6'10", 6'11", and we need to see that.”
For Chambers, exposure to foreign players helps raise the level of play for the local-based players — especially if they are able to play against them — or with them — outright from their collegiate years.
“[Playing with FSAs makes you ask — ]how do we get shots over the top of them? How do we play with a big? How do we play against a big guy? So, they really add to our overall game,” he said.
Filipino at heart
But more than just the value added when it comes to preparing for international basketball, Chambers also sees it as a chance for the foreign players to be more attuned to Filipino culture.
As someone who has since integrated himself to the country thanks to his playing days in the PBA, Chambers says that FSAs get immersed in all things Filipino, especially when they bond with their local teammates and the culture within the university.
Foreign student-athletes share in their teammates’ Filipino culture in the UAAP. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
“Just like myself, I really love how they all embrace the Filipino culture. They all really love their teammates. I watch the kids at Adamson, the kids at Ateneo, the kids at La Salle, you know, at UST. They love being here. They love being part of the Filipino culture,” he said.
“So, I really love that about them. So, I welcome it. I think they're good for the league.”
Notable FSAs in recent years in the UAAP include former MVPs Ange Kouame, Malick Diouf, and Ben Mbala.
Other standouts for the last couple of seasons also include UE’s Precious Momowei, ex-women’s basketball Mythical Five member Josee Kaputu, and former Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.