Schools to decide on UAAP players’ participation for Gilas in SEA Games 

Gilas Pilipinas may once again lean on the collegiate ranks for reinforcements in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand, but the final word on player availability will come from their respective schools.

With the SEA Games overlapping with the schedules of the PBA, Japan B.League, and Korean Basketball League, both the men’s and women’s national squads are expected to look to UAAP and NCAA talent to fill their rosters.

UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag stressed, however, that while the league fully supports the national team, the authority to release players will rest with the universities.

“I don’t think it’s really [PBA] Commissioner Willie Marcial’s concern, any question about the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas,” Saguisag said during Wednesday’s UAAP Season 88 press conference at the University of Santo Tomas.

“Kasi yung SBP, it’s only one sport also, basketball, and I think yung SBP, before pa ito ha, they also understand that they also have to support the UAAP, and our local leagues. Kapag pinatay mo naman din yan, mawawalan din sila ng pool from where to draw from.”

“So no commitment yet, pinag-aaralan pa. Magiging discretion lang ng teams kung magpapahiram sila if ever, for now,” he added.

A thrilling double-header will tip off the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on September 20 and 21 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.https://t.co/NcySd9OD9B

— Fastbreak (@fastbreaknewsph) August 27, 2025

Among the names expected to be on Gilas’ radar are La Salle standouts Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan, who could be part of coach Norman Black’s pool. Their inclusion, however, hinges on the decision of DLSU.

Still, Saguisag noted that the UAAP’s close ties with SBP executive director Erika Dy will help smooth discussions.

“Ang maganda dito, Erika Dy is a very good friend and we have constant communication,” he said of Dy, a former Ateneo star and ex-coach of the Blue Eagles’ women’s team.

“They understand our position. Erika Dy also came from the UAAP and understands the grassroots program so we thank her for her support,” he added.

The SEA Games run from December 9 to 20, coinciding with the final stretch of the UAAP Season 88 basketball tournaments — making player availability an even bigger question for Gilas. 

The UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball tournament will tip-off on September 20.

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