One of the longest-running open secrets in collegiate hoops is the San Beda Red Lions’ intent to join the UAAP. Now, it appears the UAAP will decide on the matter this coming February.
According to veteran sports scribe Quinito Henson, the UAAP Board of Trustees might decide San Beda’s fate when they convene for a meeting this February. Talks about San Beda’s potential UAAP transfer reignited in December when ex-Bedan Agjanti Miller said the Red Lions are “going UAAP next year” when asked if he was coming back with the champs.
Nine-Team Schedule Prepared?
Henson might have also hinted that a ninth team could possibly be on its way to the UAAP, noting that “it appears a schedule has been prepared for men’s basketball to accommodate a ninth team without extending the calendar.”
According to the veteran scribe, the only adjustment in this case is for the UAAP to play four games on Wednesdays. He added that having an odd number of schools—nine instead of ten, for instance—“apparently isn’t a concern” for the league.
UAAP Move Could Lead to Roster Changes for San Beda
While nothing is set in stone yet, a move to the UAAP would likely compel San Beda to fortify its roster even more, especially with Miller, who was one of the Red Lions’ best players last year, leaving the Lions’ lair after their championship conquest.
San Beda could notably enlist foreign student-athletes (FSAs) in case it is welcomed by the UAAP, as it allows FSAs while the NCAA has already banned the practice. This should be an exciting prospect for a school that has consistently brought in high-level FSAs, including Sam Ekwe, Donald Tankoua, Ola Adeogun, and Sudan Daniel.
Again, nothing is for certain yet. But it’s starting to appear like the stars are aligning for San Beda inasmuch as transferring to the UAAP is concerned.
