Sports Analysis

All-Filipino Team: Is it a Legacy

to Uphold?
This year, the University preferred to set an import-less status in the ongoing University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 74 as a commemoration to the 150th birth anniversary of the countrys national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal and to follow as well Lualhatis 65th Foundation Anniversary theme, Rizal nasa Puso ng UE. Eager and confident, the UE Red Warriors undeniably highlighted its legacy as the mens basketball carried the title, A certified and proud All-Filipino team. Currently having the only entire Filipino lineup in the league, the locals faced their opponents with no intimidations despite of them handling skillful imports. Much to the surprise of many, the true-blooded Warrior spirit and Filipino athlete pride and dignity was a possible trial but not enough for them to make it to the Final Four and take home this seasons tiara. Pride to prolong Suffering from a 26-year dry spell, the Red Warriors fight every season fearlessly just to regain another UAAP crown after savoring its last on 1986. With a total of 18 championships, UE remains to keep the longest Final four appearances and unbeatable winning streaks from 1965-1971. It is presently tied with the University of Santo Tomas (UST), second after Far Eastern Universitys (FEU) 19 records. All throughout the early years of UAAP and UEs glorious era, the red and white cagers never included imports to its delegates since it started joining the league in 1952. Changes to consider Unquestionably, for the past UAAP seasons, teams were already bombarded by tall and skilled imports giving their best shot to uplift their standings. Seven participating universities benefited to this trending drift while UE remained an All-Filipino team. Comparing UE to this seasons host Ateneo De Manila University, their campaign since it held a dramatic back-to-back UAAP glam was undeniably strong as it maintained a cohesive and import-laden quintet even before.

On a survey conducted by The Dawn to 100 students from different colleges and courses, 58% of them preferred to maintain an import-less lineup as 42% raised the reality that the team must have imports playing for UE. Parang sinasabi nilang hindi enough ang talent ng mga Filipino at kailangan pang umasa sa mga imports kung mag i-import pa ang school, lumalabas na hindi natin kayang dumepende sa sariling atin at kailangan pa nating umasa sa ibang lahi, said Lorelyn Bonus, a third year Business Management student. Behind the dominance of students who agree with an All-Filipino status is the minimal discrepancy of 16%. Students still have opposing ideas as other thought that it would be much better if the team will include some import players. Im not in favor of this because our team cannot do it alone. Lets face the fact that we need help from imports, if not, and then give the best training they could have for next season. More so Im on the side on having an import because successful teams in the UAAP are obviously assisted by foreign athletes, said Christine Batcho, a second year Legal Management student. On the other hand, the July 18, 2011 volume 62 issued by The Dawn, on one of the interviews to UEs key player Paul Zamar said, There is nothing wrong with being an All-Filipino team but a better one to consider since it does not only give chance to local players but also instills the deeper meaning of the league. The UAAP is about Philippine collegiate basketball. Getting foreigners lessen the spirit of Philippine basketball. We are preserving our legacy that we won championships in the 70s and 80s by playing local, not getting foreigners to play to us. Kasi kung foreigner lang naman, much better na NBA na lang ang panoorin nila. Our team, no matter how small it is, will always play with a big heart because thats what Filipinos are- we put our hearts on what we do, Zamar added. To be or not to be Despite of the rapid increase of import athletes in the UAAP, its management has not yet proposed on prohibiting foreign players to play in the league. However, an article by the inboundpass last November 16, 2010 reported that both the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCA) Policy Board and Management Committee have begun deliberating on a proposal to ban foreign cagers from suiting up for the leagues member-schools. To relate with, there may not be anything wrong in an All-Filipino status if UE deems to maintain its consistency. But with this kind of legacy in mind, the University must at the same time make a move to improve its recruitment and trainings for it to survive an import-less level. According to President, The UE Community is indeed not used on getting beaten during UAAP. Many are dismayed with this reality.

Still, this issue has no guarantee that it may contribute to Lualhatis revisit on the Finals. Another season has passed for the Red Warriors who ended with a 3-11 mark at the seventh place. Results may speak what our team really needs. Still, factors such as a bunch of rookies, transition, rotations and rebuilding are a must to consider. With reports from Manzaldo Frondozo

Monique Ann A. Tiongco is the Sports Editor of The Dawn, the Official Weekly Publication of the University of the East, and enjoys not only sports but as well as her accounting studies at the University. For inquiries and concerns, like UE Dawn Sports on Facebook and follow me on twitter @UEDawnSports. See you at the ball games!