PBA urges UAAP to let players join Rookie Draft 2025 while season is still ongoing

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is eager for UAAP players to join its upcoming PBA Rookie Draft 2025, even while the collegiate season is ongoing, and has formally sought permission from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) to allow this move.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that he sent a letter to the UAAP Board of Managing Directors, explaining that the annual PBA Rookie Draft and the opening of Season 88 will take place next month. He assured the UAAP that players selected in the draft will still be allowed to finish their collegiate commitments before reporting to their respective PBA teams.

Currently, unlike the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), the UAAP does not allow its players to apply for the PBA Draft, as the league wants student-athletes to remain focused on their collegiate teams. Because of this restriction, many UAAP stars often choose to play in foreign leagues such as Japan’s B.League and the Korean Basketball League, while waiting to become draft-eligible. Those unable to secure overseas contracts typically play in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) to stay in shape.

Nagpahayag ng buong suporta si PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial sa mga manlalaro ng liga na nagnanais subukan ang kanilang talento sa international stage. Alamin ang kanyang buong pahayag sa eksklusibong report ng Abante Sports Now.#SportsNow #DWAR1494 #PBA #WillieMarcial #KBL… pic.twitter.com/9GBINTUgMp

— Abante Radyo DWAR 1494 (@DWAR1494) July 23, 2025

“We are appealing to the UAAP to allow their players to enter the PBA Rookie Draft even if the season has not yet ended. They haven’t given us their decision yet, but we are hoping for a positive reply since the NCAA already allows its players to be drafted during its basketball season,” Marcial said in a media interaction.

Marcial emphasized that this adjustment would benefit both the league and the players, noting that the PBA has lost top talents such as Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, Thirdy Ravena, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao to overseas leagues. All of these standouts starred in the UAAP before pursuing professional careers abroad without ever entering the PBA Draft.

“It’s going to be a big advantage for the players and their collegiate teams if they can be drafted into the PBA. At least the league and their new teams can provide full support while they continue competing at the highest level in the UAAP. It’s a win-win scenario,” Marcial added.

The 2025 PBA Rookie Draft is scheduled for September 7, just twelve days before the new UAAP basketball season tips off at the University of Santo Tomas. Interested applicants have until August 28 to submit their requirements. As of now, no major names or top prospects from the UAAP or NCAA have formally expressed interest in joining the draft.

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