Foreign players affected by “one-import-per-team” rule given a chance to play by Cesafi
In a landmark decision that is geared towards leveling the playing field in Cebu’s collegiate basketball scene, Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy announced yesterday that foreign players who suited up last year and affected by the “one-import-per-team” rule are eligible to play for other participating schools without serving the two-year residency rule. inc.
The development was finalized on Wednesday night in a meeting between the different Cesafi Board members.
Tiukinhoy explained that the rule came after months of deliberation and is being implemented to make the tournament even more competitive.
In addition, he said it allows those foreign players, who will no longer be fielded by their schools as a result of last year’s ruling limiting squads to having one foreign player, the chance to still go to school and possibly earn their degree as opposed to just dropping out.
“The rule is meant to level the playing field and make the games even more exciting. They will be allowed to transfer and still play without serving the residency provided that their grades pass the requirements set by the league,” said the league’s long-time commissioner.
This means foreign players such as the University of San Carlos’ Espoir Toyambe, the University of the Visayas’ seven-footer Jean Mpouma and Southwestern University’s Landry Sanjo will be allowed to suit up for other teams should they be recruited.
As of today, every single Cesafi squad save for three – the University of Cebu, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation and the Cebu Institute of Technology-University – have a foreign player on their squad.
But UC coach and team manager Baldomero Estenzo, when updated with the recent Cesafi ruling, maintained that he will stick to his locals.
“I’m content with my team. Bahala ug gagmay mi, basta mu-fight, okay na ko ana,” said Estenzo, a staunch supporter of making the league exclusive to Filipinos.
The new Cesafi season opens on Aug. 1.