UAAP Season 85 is set to feature a new coaches' challenge system for its upcoming basketball tournaments beginning next month.
For the next season, respective head coaches are given the privilege to use only one challenge for the whole duration of the match.
This is in line with the based on FIBA as the challenge system was already included in the rulebook released by the basketball governing body.
"Basically, it's part of the new FIBA rules and UAAP is 100 percent FIBA rules so we added the challenge," said new basketball commissioner Dickie Bachmann during the league's basketball coaches meeting on Friday, Sept. 23, at the Adamson University.
Coaches are in unison for the latest innovation for the league citing that it will be "the betterment of the game."
"Given the privilege to have one, it's gonna be interesting how it's gonna be used by the head coaches kasi whether you win the challenge or not, you're just given one eh," said University of the Philippines assistant coach Potit de Vera.
Growling Tigresses head tactician Haydee Ong, for her part, believes the new system will be beneficial in dealing with crucial games.
Opening day matchups between Adamson-UST and UP-De La Salle both in men's and women's play will open the curtains on Oct. 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City following a pre-recorded opening ceremony. ###