UAAP bars foreign players from MVP award

MANILA, Philippines – No more MVP honors for foreigners.

The UAAP announced on Thursday, February 13, that the league will adopt a new rule which would award foreign student-athletes (FSAs) a separate recognition even if they wound up as the best performer of the season.

Under the old rule, any player who will top the statistical point (SP) rankings at the end of the two-round elimination will automatically be named Most Valuable Player.

But starting this year, there will be a new award designated to foreign SP leaders — the Best Foreign Student-Athlete honor — and the MVP will be instead given to the highest-ranked local in any of the league’s sporting event.

“This was actually approved last year for implementation this season,” said UAAP executive director Rene “Rebo” Saguisag during Thursday’s press conference.

“The Best Foreign Student-Athlete award will be given across all UAAP sports but only if a foreign student-athlete finishes as the leader in events where statistical points are available.”

So for instance, if National University’s foreign player Collins Akowe, last year’s UAAP boys’ basketball MVP, tops the statistical points again, he will no longer have a shot at a second straight MVP honor. Instead, he will be hailed the Best Foreign Student-Athlete this season.

The rule will only be triggered if an FSA tops the SP race, but the athlete will not be deprived of any other individual awards such as the Mythical Five in basketball or any Best Position honor in volleyball.

In addition, FSAs who previously studied in a Philippine high school can still qualify for Rookie of the Year honors.

“The reason behind this is to ensure that we properly recognize both our local and international student-athletes while maintaining the spirit of the league’s competition,” said Saguisag.

“By implementing the Best Foreign Student-Athlete award, we ensure that if an FSA leads the statistical points race, they are duly recognized, while still allowing a local student-athlete to be awarded MVP.”

In other Philippine basketball leagues such as the PBA, only locals are eligible for individual awards, sans the Best Import of the Conference.

Other collegiate leagues like the NCAA, on the other hand, barred FSAs from participating in 2019. – Rappler.com