Hubert Cani deemed eligible for UAAP Season 78

 

MANILA, Philippines – Hubert Cani and Ateneo de Manila University get their wish.

 

The former UAAP junior’s basketball star has been ruled eligible to play for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the upcoming men’s basketball tournament of UAAP Season 78.

 

The development was initially confirmed to Rappler by a source and then later on by a UP board member.

 

Last August 17, Cani was ruled ineligible after a vote took place between the UAAP board, who said that Senator Pia Cayetano’s Republic Act 10676 (now a law) that prohibits collegiate leagues from implementing residency on transferring high school student-athletes cannot be applied retroactively.

 

The UAAP board had another vote on the matter after the league’s press conference for the 78th season on Tuesday at Gloria Maris in Gateway, Quezon City, and the final verdict came out favoring Cani.

 

“Upholding the spirit of the student-protection law (by Cayetano), majority decided to allow Cani to play,” UAAP league secretary and University of the Philippines board representative Ronnie Dizer told Rappler following the board’s meeting that lasted for a few hours.

 

“It’s the majority. We have made the decision not to divulge the schools and the numbers to protect one another. Anyway, the decision was favorable to the athlete, so let’s just leave it as that,” explained Dizer, who also added: “All [UAAP] athletes are now free from the bondage of the two-year residency rule.”

 

(READ: The Tug of War for Hubert Cani)

 

Cani also expressed his excitement via text message.

 

“Super happy ako and thankful sa mga tumulong saakin, lalo nang yung Ateneo community and kay God,” he told Rappler.

 

(I’m very happy and thankful for those who helped me out, especially the Ateneo community and God.)

 

Cani, who played high school ball for the NU Bullpups and transferred to Ateneo in 2014, has already served one year of residency. Under the old UAAP rules, transferring high school student-athletes were made to sit out two seasons.

 

As news trickled out about the development, Cayetano addressed the matter on her Twitter account, writing: “Received news that the UAAP board is doing away with its 2 yr residency rule. Confirming this now. If so, this is a victory for all.” 

 

Cani will now join an Ateneo team that’s expected to contend for a UAAP title with veterans Kiefer Ravena, Von Pessumal, and Fonzo Gotladera leading the way.

 

“It’s definitely an up for us,” Ravena told Rappler about the development. “Hubert, being a key part of the team, we know he’s going to be a big help.” – Rappler.com