Alas Pilipinas is setting its sights on the top prize in beach volleyball at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand.“Gold is what we’re aiming for in Thailand,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara during the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge at Nuvali Sands Court in Santa Rosa, Laguna. “We’ve had plenty of SEA Games bronze medals, and while we know it won’t be easy, we believe it’s possible. I’m hopeful our athletes can turn their Nuvali experience into a gold-medal run in Thailand.”Thailand and Indonesia have historically dominated SEA Games beach volleyball, while the Philippines has earned six bronze medals—three each in the men’s and women’s divisions—since 2003.PNVF head coach Joao “Kioday” Luciano Simao Barbosa confirmed the SEA Games lineups: Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, and Dij Rodriguez and Sunny Villapando for the women; and James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla, and Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Vergara for the men.Each country can field two pairs per division. The 33rd SEA Games opens December 9, with beach volleyball running from December 12 to 19 at Bangkok’s Huamark Sports Complex.“We’re working very hard to fight for the gold,” said Kioday. “All teams are strong, but with a few more months of preparation, we’ll take it step by step—and reach for that gold.”

Carl Jammes "Wonder Boy" Martin posted a fifth-round knockout against his Mexican opponent Juan Tostado in their super-bantamweight contest on Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) in Tijuana, Mexico.The referee called a mercy halt to the bout after Martin dropped Tostado with a barrage of head shots.The native from Ifugao made sure his lofty world rating was going to stay, and the impressive victory could elevate him to top contender from No. 2 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and in the top five from No. 7 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF).Tostado managed to get up, but the third man on the ring was wise enough to stop the carnage, allowing the Filipino southpaw to raise his record to 24-0 with 19 knockouts.The victory of “Wonder “Boy” over Tostado was Martin’s second fight outside the Philippines after relocating from his homebase in Lagawe, Ifugao.Meanwhile, Tostado already has a boxing record of 27-15-1 win-loss-draw with 10 of his wins being knockouts.Last September, Martin also knocked out Mexican boxer Anthony Jimenez Salas in Sinaloa.

Captain Shaina Nitura simply refused to lose. Dropping a massive 30-point bomb on Far Eastern University (FEU), along with 12 digs and 18 receptions, the Adamson Lady Falcons took flight toward history after a gutsy 25-18, 26-24, 23-25, 25-23 victory in Game 1 of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals on Monday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.This wasn’t just another win—it was a statement. The Lady Falcons clawed back from a deep second-set hole, showing the kind of composure and fight that define champions in the making. One more victory, and Adamson will clinch its first-ever V-League crown, breaking a six-year title drought in a Sports Vision-backed tournament since their 2019 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Collegiate Conference triumph.When the fourth set got tense, Frances Mordi delivered in crunch time, dropping four huge points to keep FEU at bay. And when it mattered most, Nitura ended it with a thunderous kill that silenced the Lady Tamaraws’ late rally after two hours of high-octane volleyball.

Noelito Jose defended his men's epee title, while Charmaine Andres led the women's saber podium in the Southeast Asian Fencing Federation (SEAFF) Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Jose, who swept all his pool matches, beat top seed Phuoc Den Nguyen of Vietnam, 15-14, in the finals. He earlier downed Malaysians Mohd Maideen, 15-1, and Yam Ethan, 15-6, and Nguyen Minh Hieu of Vietnam,15-7 in the semis. Meanwhile, the US-based Andres defeated former SEA Games champion Jylyn Nicanor, 15-8, in the gold medal match, while Janna Catantan won the silver medal.Allaine Nicole Cortey bowed to Sharmaine Andres, 14-15, in the semis, and got the bronze.Wilhelmina Lozada, on the other hand, became the back-to-back champion in the Women’s Foil Individual event at the Southeast Asian Fencing Championships.Other Filipino fencers also garnered their medals as follows: Gold medal for Men’s Foil Individual: Nathaniel Perez, Silver medal for Women’s Épée Individual: Ashley May Michelle Harrison, and Bronze medal for Men’s Foil Individual: Shawn Nicollei Felipe. 

The Blazers know the sting of coming so close. Twice in the past three years, Benilde reached the NCAA finals only to see the title slip away. Now, entering Season 101, their aim is not just to shake off regrets but to end a 25-year championship drought.Central to that hope is MVP Allen Liwag, a force in the frontcourt whose leadership and production must anchor the team. This time, he brings reinforcement: Shawn Umali, SJ Moore, and Raffy Celis have committed themselves to the Blazers’ cause. Umali, a bruising presence from Lyceum, and Moore & Celis, both UAAP veterans, add depth, versatility, and fresh firepower.Alongside them, holdovers Justine Sanchez, Tony Ynot, and Gab Cometa return to lend experience and continuity. The roster is further bolstered by Jhomel Ancheta, Joshua Cajucom, Anton Eusebio, Matthew Oli, Jericho Jalalon, and Ian Torres, as well as contributors Bonn Daja, Irele Galas, Jake Gaspay, Jio Gonzaga and John Morales—all part of the Blazers’ Redemption Lineup.

Brazilian volleyball legend Leila Barros is set for a heartfelt homecoming in Manila as she arrives on Thursday, September 25, for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.Barros, a household name in Philippine volleyball since her first visit in 2000 for the FIVB World Grand Prix, will serve as guest of honor during the tournament’s semifinals and finals this weekend at the Mall of Asia Arena.Now 53 and a senator in Brazil, Barros remains a beloved figure among Filipino fans. At the turn of the millennium, her skill, charisma, and passion for the game helped ignite the rise of Philippine volleyball, inspiring a generation to embrace the sport.Last Saturday, September 27, Barros held a press conference and a special Meet and Greet session with local media and fans, offering an opportunity to reconnect with the community that still holds her in high regard.A decorated opposite spiker for Brazil’s national team, Barros’ international career includes two Olympic bronze medals (1996, 2000) and four golds at the FIVB World Grand Prix. Notably, she helped Brazil clinch bronze during the Manila leg of the Grand Prix in 2000—a moment that endeared her even more to Filipino supporters.Barros accepted the invitation of Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon “Tats” Suzara to attend the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, saying the country’s hosting is a clear sign of how far volleyball has grown in the Philippines since she first played here.“In fact, for years I’ve been receiving invitations to come to the Philippines,” said the 53-year-old volleyball player-turned-senator during a press conference at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday morning.“Then the longing really hit. I thought it was the right time to come to the Philippines, because I believe this is the moment when Filipino volleyball is growing,” she added.Barros first captured the hearts of Filipino fans with her skill and charisma during Brazil’s 2000 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix campaign, before making a brief return in the Manila leg of the same tournament in 2004.The two-time Olympic bronze medalist said it felt like she had never left, recalling the warmth she experienced on her first visit, when Filipino fans welcomed her with overwhelming support.“The memory that stands out the most for me is the natural empathy I felt as soon as I entered the stadium and with Filipino people,” she said.“It’s funny — when I was here, people were holding signs that said ‘Leila for President’ and ‘Leila, Marry Me.’ It seems like they could see the future, since I eventually became a senator in Brazil,” Barros added.Barros, who endured a five-day journey after her flight was delayed, said it was all worth it the moment she reconnected with the fans who had embraced her since the early 2000s. She will be attending the final two days of the FIVB World Championship before flying back home.She expressed her utmost gratitude to Suzara and the rest of the PNVF for bringing her back to the Philippines and allowing her to be part of a historic moment for volleyball in the country.“I’m also very surprised that it’s already been 21 years since I was last here, yet I still receive so much love from Asian and Filipino fans on social media,” said Barros.“I carry such good memories with me. I always tell people: we can leave sports, but sports never really leaves us.”With her return, Barros not only celebrates Brazil’s volleyball legacy but also rekindles her connection with the Philippines, a country where her influence remains timeless.

A hard-fought 2025 MPBL Season matchup at Batangas City Coliseum turned troubling after a violent incident on Monday night, August 11.Gensan’s Michole Sorela threw a punch at Mindoro’s Jonas Tibayan at the 7:34 mark, knocking him unconscious. Tibayan suffered a broken jaw, a busted lip, and a fractured shoulder after hitting the floor hard, and had to be stretchered out.According to Mindoro Tamaraws team owner Pola Mayor Ina Raymundo, Tibayan will be transferred to a Manila hospital for further evaluation.Meanwhile, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) also handed Michole Solera of the Gensan Warriors a lifetime ban and a ₱200,000 fine following a disqualifying foul that left Jonas Tibayan of the Mindoro Tamaraws hospitalized.This strong sanction comes as the league reaffirms its stance on player safety and sportsmanship on the court."We condemn the incident, and the MPBL won't tolerate such actions. It compromises the player's safety and taints the league's image."I've seen the worst (in basketball) and this is one of them. The league has the full authority to impose sanctions on this deplorable behavior," said MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes.Despite the incident, Bam Gamalinda paced Mindoro with 21 points and Wendell Comboy added 16, helping the Tamaraws secure the win.We wish Jonas Tibayan a full and speedy recovery.

Lou Marie Reyes Cauyao, is one of the players of the Philippine Women’s Ice Hockey Team which won as Silver Medalist during the 2024 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup in In Bishkek, KYRGYZSTAN, from March 24 to 30 2024. This prestigious tournament brought together top women’s teams from across Asia and Oceania, showcasing talent, determination, and the growing strength of women’s ice hockey in the region. Cauyao played a vital role in fortifying the team's defense throughout the tournament, helping to secure the Philippines’ historic run to the podium.Known for her sharp defensive instincts, determination and dedication to the sport, Cauyao exemplifies the spirit of Filipino athletes who continue to break new ground in less traditional sports like ice hockey. Her contribution not only reflects individual excellence but also highlights the rising momentum of women’s ice hockey in the Philippines.

Dr. Anya Saini, a 62-year-old pediatrician from Mysuru, has added another remarkable chapter to her life story by winning two gold medals at the ongoing World Masters Games 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan.Dr. Saini also earned a silver medal in the 200m breaststroke and a bronze in the 100m breaststroke, showcasing her endurance and skill on the international stage of this prestigious quadrennial competition.“It feels great to compete at the World Masters and connect with athletes from across the globe,” said Dr. Saini. “It’s truly an honor to be part of this championship.” Dr. Saini said.Her recent triumphs in Taipei follow her impressive performance at the 20th Masters National Swimming Championship in Bhopal in 2022, where she clinched four gold medals in the 50m and 100m breaststroke, and the 200m and 400m freestyle events.Dr. Saini began swimming at the age of eight and has maintained her love for the sport for over five decades. During her MBBS studies at Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute in 1984, she secured a bronze medal at the All India Inter-University Championship.Since the inception of Masters swimming competitions in 2022, Dr. Saini has won over 100 medals, a testament to her consistency and passion.“Returning to the pool is nostalgic,” she shared, reflecting on her journey.Despite her demanding career as a pediatrician, Dr. Saini remains committed to her training, practicing six days a week. Her discipline, resilience, and lifelong dedication to swimming continue to inspire both the medical and sporting communities.

Rhianne Hailie Jade Alix is already turning heads as a forward for the Philippine National Women’s Ice Hockey Team at the age of 16. She is known for her speed, agility, and smart puck control, Alix brings youthful energy and a fresh edge to the team’s offensive lineup.She is also a product of the Philippines’ growing grassroots ice hockey movement, Alix exemplifies the sport’s expanding reach among the youth. Her journey began in mall skating rinks, where curiosity quickly turned into passion—and then into national-level performance. Despite her age, she has earned the respect of her teammates and coaches with her relentless work ethic, sharp instincts, and playmaking ability.

Petro Gazz Angels star Brooke Van Sickle capped a sensational 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference campaign by claiming her third Most Valuable Player award at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night, November 30. Less than an hour after steering the Angels past ZUS Coffee in the finals, Van Sickle received the league’s top individual honor, solidifying her status as one of the league’s all-time greats.Already a back-to-back MVP in the last two All-Filipino Conferences, Van Sickle joins Creamline icons Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos as the only three-time winners in league history. She also earned her second Best Outside Spiker award, finishing second among local scorers and 10th overall with 160 points. Van Sickle ranked ninth in spiking at 35.48% and eighth in digs with 3.23 per set, proving her dominance on both ends of the court.For ZUS Coffee, Anna DeBeer was recognized as Best Foreign Guest Player after a standout performance that helped the Thunderbelles reach their first-ever PVL Finals. The former University of Louisville standout tallied 210 points on 197 attacks, added eight blocks and five aces, and ranked third in both spiking (39.40%) and receiving (45.68%).Other notable awardees included Savi Davison of PLDT, who claimed Best Outside Spiker honors. Davison led all local scorers with 178 points, ranked second in blocking at 0.71 per set, and placed sixth in spiking at 36.86%.Trisha Tubu of Farm Fresh earned Best Opposite Spiker, finishing as the league’s top spiker at 39.53% and 13th overall in scoring with 116 points.At the net, Maddie Madayag of Choco Mucho was recognized as Best Middle Blocker, leading the league with 29 blocks, including a single-game pro record-tying 10 denials against ZUS Coffee. Pangs Panaga of Creamline also took home a Best Middle Blocker award, tallying 20 kill blocks for her ninth career recognition.Cloanne Mondoñedo of ZUS Coffee claimed Best Setter, topping the league with 6.24 excellent sets per set. Meanwhile, Thang Ponce of Choco Mucho continued her defensive mastery as Best Libero, earning her fifth career award while leading the league in receiving at 55.42% and finishing third in digs with 4.46 per set.Rounding out the awardees was AC Miner of ZUS Coffee, who was named Rookie of the Conference. Miner ranked eighth in blocking at 0.55 per set and finished second among all rookies in scoring with 82 points.The 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference highlighted both individual brilliance and team excellence, with Van Sickle’s historic third MVP award and Petro Gazz’s third conference crown cementing their dominance in Philippine volleyball. Meanwhile, the emergence of rising stars such as AC Miner and Trisha Tubu signals a bright future for the league.

Mario Barrios narrowly retained his WBC welterweight title after a dramatic battle with People's Champ and former eight division titlist Manny Pacquiao which ended in a majority draw at the MGM Grand. Throughout the fight, Pacquiao’s trademark grit and ring savvy kept Barrios guessing, fueling hopes of yet another fairy-tale chapter in the Filipino legend’s storied career.But Barrios surged in the final three rounds—sweeping them on all three judges’ scorecards—to do just enough to hold on to his belt. One judge scored the bout 115-113 for Barrios, while the other two saw it even at 114-114.“I thought I won the fight. It was close. My opponent was very tough, but it was a wonderful fight.” said Pacquiao.For Barrios, sharing the ring with Pacquiao was an honor: “I thought I pulled it out, but I tip my hat to Manny. His stamina, power, and rhythm are still incredible. He’s a tough puzzle to solve.” Barrios said. The result elicited a muted response from the MGM Grand crowd, who had cheered Pacquiao’s attempt at a storybook comeback. Ultimately, Barrios keeps his crown, while Pacquiao once again proves he can compete with the best—even at 46.

Alex Eala continues to honor her late grandfather and first tennis coach, Roberto “Bobby” Maniego, dedicating her recent achievements to his memory.Eala’s breakthrough semifinal run at the Miami Open propelled her to a career-high World No. 56 ranking and opened the door to Grand Slam main draw appearances at both the French Open and Wimbledon. She credits much of her success to “Lolo Bob,” as she fondly called Maniego.“Whenever I accomplish something big, I think about him. It would’ve meant so much for him to witness these moments and share them with our family. Even when he was struggling, he remained a strong mentor and always put in the work.” Eala shared. Before Alex and her brother Miko moved to Spain to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy, it was Maniego who introduced them to tennis and served as their first coach.“He was a huge part of my life and early career,” He laid my foundation—my mentality and bravery on court come from his tough love and sacrifice.” the 20-year-old said.Eala also revealed her admiration for Maria Sharapova, whom she considered her “super idol” growing up, inspired by Sharapova’s playing style, mindset, and presence on and off the court.Now, Eala is setting her sights on another Grand Slam appearance, aiming for her first main draw win at the US Open from August 24 to September 7. She plans to compete in tournaments in Canada and the US before heading back to Asia later this year.

The highly anticipated six-stage Larga Pilipinas Cycling Marathon has been officially postponed due to persistent inclement weather in recent weeks.“It’s quite unfortunate because the teams prepared hard for this. But as we speak, there are areas in Northern Luzon, especially in the Cordilleras, that are currently isolated because of the heavy rains,” said Larga Pilipinas operations chief Snow Badua yesterday, July 30, during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.Originally set to start on August 2, the event will now kick off on November 29, as Badua confirmed. “Palipasin na muna natin ang typhoon season. Let’s give the LGUs all the time to focus on the situation and huwag na tayo madagdag sa isipin nila.”“Heavily battered ang Northern Luzon, that’s why, in close coordination with the different LGUs (local government units), we needed to reset, also upon the advice of PhilCycling president Abraham Tolentino,” he explained.“We cannot, in good conscience, move forward knowing these hazards put our participants and the teams at real risk. Their safety is, and always will be, our top priority,” he added.Despite the delay, excitement remains high for the marathon, which is expected to feature 10 competitive teams, including several international riders. The event is poised to be one of the country’s largest and most competitive cycling races this year.Organizers stressed that the postponement was made with participant safety as the top priority, ensuring optimal racing conditions for all teams.

Hurling every insult imaginable from fans and netizens following a series of setbacks in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Poy Erram responded with a performance that pushed the series to where it should be—the ‘winner takes all’ Game 7 on Friday, March 28, 2025.Erram had his own big moments, especially last night, curiously after his verbal spat with coach Chot Reyes in the previous game. He scored 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, complementing his hustle plays with crucial contributions—none bigger than a ball tap that allowed TNT to retain possession following missed free throws by their import.Erram’s effort on both ends provided support for the standout performances of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Rey Nambatac as TNT played spoiler, securing an 87-83 win that denied Barangay Ginebra an early championship celebration.The 35-year-old Cagayan de Oro native was also instrumental in building TNT’s lead, which began when Nambatac drained a four-point play at the end of the third quarter to put TNT ahead, 63-62. Erram then added 10 points in the fourth, including a crucial corner three-pointer that extended the Tropang Giga’s lead to 70-62.After the game, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle center was pulled aside for an on-court interview, where initial boos from the crowd were eventually drowned out by cheers from TNT fans."Now I’m seeking help. I can’t just say, ‘Oh, I’m a man, I don’t need help.’ I do need help," said Erram.He opened up about the off-court struggles he has been facing during the PBA Finals, admitting that they have affected his performance throughout the series."I’m not gonna sugarcoat it—I’ve been a distraction to the team. Some might say I’m just making excuses, but since my father passed away, I’ve been in a tough place. So I’m seeking help, not just for the team, but also for my family and my job," Erram added.Now, Erram acknowledges the need to address the personal struggles that have contributed to his emotional outbursts—outbursts that have drawn both concern and criticism, depending on the perspective of observers.In Game 5, much of the audience witnessed Erram engage in a heated argument with Reyes, who was frustrated with the big man’s reaction to a miscue during a timeout huddle.Meanwhile, in TNT’s Game 2 loss, Erram was seen kicking team equipment on his way back to the locker room, venting his frustration at MOA Arena.TNT head coach Chot Reyes has since advised Erram to block out distractions and keep his focus on the game."We just told him to focus and shut off the noise," said Reyes. 

The two best words in sports—Game 7—will happen in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Friday, March 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.It was made possible when the TNT Tropang Giga forced it after defeating Barangay Ginebra in Game 6, 87-83, on Wednesday night, March 26, in front of 17,654 fans.In Game 5, the rare minutes given to Gin Kings veteran LA Tenorio inspired Ginebra to take a 3-2 series lead. But last night, it was TNT’s injured leader, Jayson Castro, who motivated his team.Read: https://scoreline.ph/news/tenorio-inspires-ginebra-tnt-misses-castro-pba-finals

Barangay Ginebra secured a 73-66 victory over TNT in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday night, March 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Scottie Thompson was named Best Player of the Game after delivering an all-around performance with 16 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block. His relentless hustle on both ends of the floor—something that doesn’t always show up in the stat sheets—was key to Ginebra’s success.Justin Brownlee was also impressive. Despite dealing with a dislocated thumb and scoring only two points in the first half, the Gin Kings' import still managed to finish with 18 markers, 14 boards, five dimes, and one deflection.Japeth Aguilar and Maverick Ahanmisi chipped in 11 points apiece to support Thompson and Brownlee, while Stephen Holt played a tremendous defensive role against Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Although Hollis-Jefferson managed to score 19 points, he struggled with efficiency, shooting just 7-of-26 from the field.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has renewed his call for the creation of a Department of Sports, calling it long overdue during the Senate Committee on Sports’ first public hearing of the 20th Congress. Go emphasized the need for a dedicated department to address the limited budget and resources currently allotted to sports, noting that the PSC only received significant funding increases through congressional intervention.“Kung titingnan mo sa budget, napakaliit ng (budget) share ng sports talaga. Kaya nga sana, kung kakayanin maging departamento ito,” Go said. Go added that given the meager sports budget, it is high time this was done: “Napapanahon na po talaga, at sobrang liit ng natatanggap ninyo.”Go argued that enhanced government investment is essential to support Filipino athletes’ international success and strengthen grassroots sports development. He cited the country’s first Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020 and the double gold haul in Paris 2024 as proof that sustained support yields results.“Kaya naman nagdagdag tayo ng budget para maging PhP 1.2 billion ang budget ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) noong 2024,” Go pointed out.Go also highlighted the wider societal impact of investing in sports, saying it helps protect the youth from drugs and vices while fostering national pride and inspiration. “We expect our athletes to perform in international competitions. Kapag nanalo sila damay po ang buong bansa sa honor na dala nila,” Go underscored.“Makikita naman natin na sulit ang pagsuporta sa ating mga atleta.” “Dati po, since 2019, kulelat tayo sa gold. Sa Olympics, wala tayong gold, naalala ko. Huli tayong silver noong 2016, I think, and before that, 1996 iyung silver na pinakamataas na nakamit natin sa Olympics,” Go added.“Napapanahon na po talaga,” Go said, underscoring the urgency of establishing a Department of Sports.“I firmly believe that investing in sports does more than building champions. It protects our youth from drugs and harmful vices while also nurturing world-class athletes who bring pride, honor, and inspiration to our nation,” Go concluded.

Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena won his second gold medal in the athletics season of the 2025 Orlen Copernicus Cup held in Torun, Poland.Obiena cleared the 5.80 meters jump to secure the gold medal in the event.On his first jump attempt, Obiena quickly cleared the 5.50m mark. He also cleared rhe 5.60m, which took him to 5.70m, although Obiena missed twice on his 5.80 jump until he got the tactic and was able to clear the mark on his third attempt.Meanwhile, Piotr Lisek of Poland took the silver medal with a 5.70 mark, while Sondre Guttormsen of Norway came in third with the same mark, with Lisek beating Guttormsen via countback.Last month of January, Obiena previously won the gold medal at the recently concluded Metz Moselle Athletics Championships in France, and had a silver medal at the International Springer-Meeting Cottbus.The two-time Filipino Olympian also previously failed to defend his title at the ISTAF Indoor in Germany after finishing seventh with a 5.55-meter jump last week.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that the UAAP has denied the league’s request to allow graduating and one-and-done players to join the upcoming September 7 PBA Draft while still completing their collegiate eligibility.Marcial said he received a letter from UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag, who explained that the issue was thoroughly discussed by the UAAP Board of Managing Directors. “This matter involves a policy issue across all our sports programs. We are unable to favorably act on the request at this time. We must also ensure consistency in our regulations concerning student-athletes entering professional leagues,” Saguisag wrote.As a result, graduating UAAP players will have to wait another nine months before they can apply for the next PBA Draft, potentially stalling their transition to the professional ranks and affecting their career momentum.Saguisag also added that the matter would be referred to the UAAP’s sports and eligibility committees for further review and possible amendments in future seasons.In contrast, the NCAA allows its graduating players to enter the PBA Draft as long as they finish their final collegiate season before turning pro—a policy seen as more supportive of athletes’ career development.Among the UAAP standouts who could have entered this year’s draft are La Salle’s Michael Phillips, UP’s Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres, and several others. With the UAAP’s decision, these prospects must now wait until next year’s draft to begin their professional journey.