The UAAP has given another chance for senior players, who were supposed to play their final year in Season 82, to suit up again.
First reported by Spin.ph, outgoing UAAP president Em Fernandez of host Ateneo said the move in now pending approval with the Board of Trustees.
“Kumbaga may plus-one sila,” Fernandez said.
The additional year will only be granted to student-athletes involved in the second-semester sports, which were scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For players who will be over their age limit of 25 by then, Fernandez said the UAAP will likewise give them that chance.
“As long as just one year na overage ka lang dapat, pwede ka pa. Mapapagbigyan ka pa ng isang taon.”
Cancelled events during Season 82 were volleyball, baseball/softball, football, lawn tennis, athletics and 3x3 basketball, streetdance and ballroom formation dance (demo sport).
Some “super seniors” who will benefit from the “plus-one” grant are Kat Tolentino and Jho Maraguinot of defending champion Ateneo; EJ Laure of University of Santo Tomas; La Salle’s Aduke Ogunsaya and Tim Tiamzon; National University’s Risa Sato; and University of the Philippines’ Isa Molde and Tots Carlos.
The provision, however, will only be used for next season and applies to those lined up by their respective teams.
“Everybody will be given a chance,” Fernandez said, adding that Season 82 will not be counted as a playing year for them.