Court allows Ricafort to continue playing for UP

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

University of the Philippines just found another cause for celebration when swingman Rob Ricafort secured one more judicial victory regarding his eligibility in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament.

Fighting Maroons head coach Bo Perasol said Ricafort got a preliminary injunction, extending the restraining order against his ineligibility and allowing him to play for UP for the coming games.

Ricafort earlier secured a TRO from Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar of Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 19, which had a 20-day lifespan, back in September 22.

Since then, UP has gone 2-4, with Ricafort playing in the Fighting Maroons’ 98-87 victory over defending champion De La Salle in the first round.

“Rob was there when the decision was read and he was obviously happy,” said Perasol in a text message. “We’re happy of course for Rob and as a team, we’d been hoping that everything works out fine with his decision to seek relief from the courts.”

The court decision allows Ricafort to participate in all of UP’s activities in the UAAP for an indefinite time until the court hears the case anew.