MANILA, Philippines – San Beda won’t consider any move to join UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) until it reaches university status.
“When it becomes a university within one year, San Beda will keep open its option for UAAP,” said NCAA president Fr. Mat de Jesus, OSB, of Season 85 host San Beda, yesterday.
De Jesus’ statement came in reaction to the statement of UAAP counterpart Anton Montinola of Season 72 host Far Eastern U, baring UAAP’s plans to expand its roster like rival NCAA.
Management Committee chair Jose Mari Lacson, for his part, said they’re happy to be in the NCAA while adding that the whole league and not just San Beda felt complimented by the recent development.
Montinola, the UAAP president, pointed at San Beda as the strongest candidate to be accepted as a regular member but only if it meets the strict requirements set by the league board.
“It’s possible, maybe we’ll go nine teams, maybe 10 next year,” said Montinola. “Apparently, the school that comes to mind without alienating the other schools interested would be San Beda.”
Montinola said San Beda has all the qualifications to be considered as the league’s ninth member.
“They’re strong in all sports, their alumni are always behind them, they have a serious basketball program that would enhance the popularity of the UAAP,” said Montinola.
Montinola stressed it’s been nearly three decades since the UAAP last accepted a new team, which happens to be La Salle in the early 80s. – Joey Villar