UAAP: Kiefer Ravena hits out at new UAAP residency rules for HS grads

In the light of a supposed UAAP rules change that would make it harder for high school stars to transfer to a different college, Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagle Kiefer Ravena took to Twitter to air his grievances, saying, "Players should be given the freedom to choose what school they want to play in."

UAAP rules 2-year residency for HS is... blahh.. Players should be given the freedom to choose what school they want to play in. #opinion

— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) March 5, 2013
 
 

The supposed new rule requires a graduate from a UAAP high school to sit out two seasons, up from the previous one, should he or she opt to enroll in a different UAAP college.

One thing that is not yet clear though is what happens should the student get clearance from the high school. In the past, the one-year residency could be waived, if the high school opted to do so.

Amateur basketball palang yan guys. kawawang mga bata. gusto lang magbasketball.

— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) March 5, 2013
 
 

Basketball is turning in the wrong direction. Instead of seeing kids use their full potential, we hinder from doing so. #SadForPhilBall

— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) March 5, 2013
 
 

Ravena, who described the new rule as "blahh," added, "Amateur basketball palang yan guys. kawawang mga bata. gusto lang magbasketball.

"Basketball is turning in the wrong direction. Instead of seeing kids use their full potential, we hinder [them] from doing so."

While the former Rookie of the Year and two-time UAAP seniors division champion talked solely about its implications towards basketball, the rule is set to affect all athletes, regardless of the sport.

[Related: Jerie Pingoy chooses Ateneo over FEU - report]

The new ruling coincidentally will hit hardest for one potential Ateneo recruit, Jerie Pingoy of FEU-FERN, who has been linked to both FEU and ADMU. Should he opt to enroll with the latter, he would be unable to play until 2015. Staying with FEU on the other hand, would mean he could play as soon as next season.

Paano yung mga role players lang ng team nung HS and hindi kinukuha ng team nila..? kasali sila? eh wala ng magbabasketball niyan.

— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) March 5, 2013
 
 

Ravena also pointed out one potential flaw in the rule, tweeting, "Paano yung mga role players lang ng team hung HS and hindi kinukuha ng team nila..? kasali sila? eh wala ng magbabasketball niyan."

@hot_youngie hindi naman pera habol palagi. pano education? paano kung ang dahilan niya gusto mag-aral?

— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) March 5, 2013
 
 

He also refuted a fan who said that the rule would stop schools from pirating players, countering, "Hindi naman pera habol palagi. pano education? paano kung ang dahilan niya gusto mag-aral?" - AMD, GMA News