THE buzz was undeniable this afternoon in Greenhills, San Juan City, as the UAAP officially kicked off Season 88’s much-anticipated basketball tournaments.
In a press conference that brought together coaches and players from all eight competing universities, anticipation and energy ran high as teams opened up about their preparations, expectations, and goals for the season ahead.
With classic rivalries ready to ignite, emerging stars poised for breakout performances, and school spirit stronger than ever, all signs point to another electrifying season of UAAP basketball.
Alongside the festivities marking the season’s start, the UAAP community also tackled a number of updates and developments, both within the league and in its surrounding landscape.
New Face, Same Thrill
Everyone in the UAAP circle agrees—there’s nothing like the rush of edge-of-your-seat games, emotional rollercoasters, and iconic moments that shape collegiate sports history. And this year, fans can expect no less: a full season of heart-racing, high-level action.
Bringing a fresh perspective to the fold, newly appointed UAAP basketball commissioner Jai Reyes is already making waves.
One of his first moves? Equipping referees with microphones to enhance transparency and provide clearer assessments of in-game officiating—a small change that could make a big impact.
“One exciting development is we would be micing up our referees, not for broadcast purposes, but for assessment and grading purposes of our referees,” Reyes ecstaticly shared.
“We want our referees to be just like our players. We want them to improve yearly, so we can make the product on the court as best as possible,” he added, while citing that the league tapped FIBA accredited referees.
Respect Above All
As expected, the topic of player transfers between schools resurfaced once again this year. However, UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rene “Rebo” Saguisag, Jr. firmly clarified that there will be no modifications to the residency rules for this season.
“I don’t necessarily think that there’s a new rule for the transfer of players,” Saguisag said. “We not, an association, discourage transfer. Ultimately, this is the decision of student-athletes and/or their families on what’s best for them.”
“However, we do want to put more emphasis on the oftenly ignored principle of the association which is collegiality. Everyone, in the exercise of their rights, must act with honesty and good faith.”
“The student-athlete must be open and honest. They need to communicate with their coach, the managing director, all the way up to their president. The counterparts also need communication laterally,” he added.
Two FSAs Next Season
In other development, the UAAP has greenlit a rule change that will permit schools to include up to two foreign student-athletes (FSAs) in their team lineup starting Season 89.
According to Saguisag, while only one FSA can be on the active roster during games, teams will now have the flexibility to keep a second FSA in reserve as part of their team pool.
“This was approved this year and, like all our rules, will take effect the following season—so starting UAAP Season 89. For all sports, teams can have two foreign student-athletes in their pool, but only one can be part of the active roster at a time, with the other on reserve,” he said.
Saguisag pointed to the situation National University faced last season when Mo Diassana suffered an injury. By allowing teams to keep a second FSA in the pool, the UAAP hopes to give schools more roster stability without compromising competitive balance across all sports.
Supporting the Flag
A key moment during the press conference came when Far Eastern University athletics director Mark Molina, who also serves as the UAAP Board of Directors’ representative to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, confirmed that the league is allowing players to take part in national team commitments.
“We always communicate to the SBP that the UAAP is ready and willing to support the national team at all levels,” Molina said.
Molina also shared that the UAAP has decided to push back the start of the women’s basketball tournament by a week to accommodate the FIBA Asia 3×3 competition.
In addition, the league is exploring ways to conclude its tournaments earlier than usual in preparation for the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in December.
“There will be a decision soon, the board will meet regarding this soon, and we will update you. But yes, the UAAP will always be willing to help out in the national program, not just in basketball, but in all sports,” he added.
Let the Games Begin
With all the updates and adjustments officially in place, UAAP Season 88 is set to kick off with an opening ceremony hosted by this season’s organizers, the University of Santo Tomas, on Friday, September 20.
The basketball action begins the very next day, Saturday, September 21, with a marquee matchup between the FEU Tamaraws and the ADMU Blue Eagles at 2:00 p.m., followed by the AdU Soaring Falcons facing off against the DLSU Green Archers at 4:30 p.m.
On Sunday, the UE Red Warriors will go head-to-head with the NU Bulldogs at 2:00 p.m., followed by a highly anticipated clash between the defending champions, the UP Fighting Maroons, and the host school, UST Growling Tigers.
Due to the ongoing 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship occupying most major sports venues, all opening weekend games will be held at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in España.
