The collegiate career of Fran Yu, Letran's star, team captain, and former NCAA Most Valuable Player, has come to an end.
His departure though wasn't exactly met with good terms and expectations as the NCAA on Tuesday, Dec. 13, denied the university's appeal to reconsider Yu's suspension after his ejection in Game 2 where the Blazers hacked out a 76-71 victory.
The NCAA made the decision on the grounds that Letran failed to provide new evidence "as required by the NCAA rules to lift the suspension" and that the Knights "did not contest the judgment call of the game officials."
Viral clips surfaced online, which raised eyebrows for most, following the incident as Yu was seen throwing an elbow at Mark Sangco of College of St. Benilde.
This resulted in a disqualifying foul and an ejection and under league rules, an ejected player will be slapped with an automatic suspension the next game.
The rubber match, unfortunately, was the lone game left to be played on Dec. 18 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The 24-year-old playmaker would have to remain on the sidelines and support his teammates from the bench for one last time.
Yu's absence, especially in a heated Finals series, left a huge blow on the Knights who were seeking to complete their three-peat campaign.
The likes of Louie Sangalang, King Caralipio, Brent Paraiso, and Kurt Reyson are expected to step up big time for the Knights against an equally-eager squad in the Blazers led by Season 98 MVP Will Gozum, Miggy Corteza, and Migs Oczon.