Manila: The September schedule for the collegiate men's and women's basketball tournaments of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) will be adjusted to accommodate two international tournaments. Some players will be joining Gilas Pilipinas in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, set September 19 to October 4, and the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup in Wuhan, China from September 15 to 19.
According to Philippines News Agency, the support of the UAAP is crucial for national team programs, particularly as a number of student-athletes have been called up to represent the country. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy expressed gratitude in a news release, stating, "We appreciate the UAAP for working closely with us and for making the necessary adjustments to accommodate our national team commitments. This kind of partnership allows our athletes to compete for both their schools and the Philippines with the support they need."
Mark Molina, UAAP Season 89 president from host Far Eastern University, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting national teams. "We have always believed that the UAAP's mission goes beyond the competition," he said. "We are here to develop student-athletes who can represent our schools, but we are equally proud when they get the opportunity to represent the country. The UAAP will always support all our national teams, and we are willing to adjust our schedules whenever necessary to give our student-athletes the opportunity to serve the Philippines."
The UAAP Season 89 opening ceremony is set for September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Games will begin on September 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, featuring matches between Far Eastern University and Adamson University, defending champion De La Salle University and National University, and University of the Philippines against University of Santo Tomas.
Additional games are scheduled for September 16 at the Mall of Asia Arena, September 19 at Araneta Coliseum, September 26 at the Pasay Arena, and September 30, also at the Pasay Arena, with various universities competing.
Ryan Gregorio, SBP 3x3 basketball program director, expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are very grateful to the UAAP for its understanding and support of our 3x3 program and our national team athletes. These student-athletes are not only representing their respective schools but also the Philippines, and the UAAP's willingness to adjust its calendar allows them to prepare and compete for the country without having to choose between their national team duties and their commitments to their schools."
