By REYNALD MAGALLON
Former basketball executive and now a newspaper columnist JB Baylon weighed in on the current recruitment process of collegiate teams particularly in UAAP schools, stressing that current practice of acquiring players is actually ruining the league.
Baylon took to his social media, sharing a post alluding to the alleged practice of schools of offering packages that involves money, cars, and even housing to lure young talents, secure their commitments and bolster their respective lineups.
“Nasira na ang UAAP,” said Baylon who once served as PBA vice chairman when he was still part of the Coca-Cola franchise as its team governor.
“Nuong 1970s at mga early 1980s Hindi pa ganito ang kalakaran… pero nang pumasok ang… ngayon, pag hindi ka sumabay, kulelat ka,” he added.
Baylon comments came in the heels of the wild collegiate basketball offseason that saw UAAP schools figuring in a tug-of-war in acquiring top talents straight from the high school ranks and players who are mulling possible school transfers.
One keenly anticipated development in the offseason is where the Ateneo De Cebu Magis Eagle star Jared Bahay would land after decommitting to the University of the Philippines.
Although pledging their support to the young gun’s decision, the Fighting Maroons said in a statement that the setback was caused by ‘outside forces intervening Bahay’s change of heart’.
“Better offer from other school,” said a former UAAP coach.
Rumors have it that the top high school player is ‘likely’ heading back to Ateneo with other top schools like La Salle also expressing interest.
Even established collegiate stars jump ships in the current recruitment process, the loudest probably right now in the offseason is the move of former San Beda star Jacob Cortez to a UAAP school
Fresh off an NCAA championship, Cortez announced in an Instagram post that he has formally bid the Red Lion’s den goodbye and is reportedly keen on joining the De La Salle Green Archers where his father, Mike, played in college.
“Kahit loyal Maroon Fan ako since UP Elem ako in the 1960s and Dugong Maroon ang dugo ko, PASS na ako sa panonood ng UAAP Men’s Basketball,” added Baylon.
“It’s about money,” said a former team manager of an amateur league, who himself expressed his frustration about the current practice.
“OK lang mag-recruit but if you use money as a bargaining power d na maganda,” he added.
“Kinuha ka, inaruga at nagka pangalan, tapos iiwan mo rin.”
He also blamed the handlers or agents of several players for “poisoning” the minds of young players.
“Parang pro na ang mga players kung himirit,” he added.
