NCAA studying ban on foreign players

The proposed ban on foreign players competing in NCAA basketball has drawn strong opposition from reigning champion San Beda, which anchored its campaign on 6-foot-7 American center and league MVP Sudan Daniel.  San Beda rector-president Aloysius Ma. Maranan, OSB, noted the alleged surreptitious manner the proposal was presented in the last board meeting on Nov. 12. The schools reportedly behind the proposal are San Sebastian, which lost to San Beda in the last championships via a sweep, Letran and St. Benilde. Letran rector Fr. Tamerlave Lana made the proposal, saying foreign athletes are recruited for the sole purpose of winning titles.  But Maranan said the proposal was not in the agenda of the meeting last week and was only included as part of other matters. Maranan, who has requested for a meeting to discuss the issue, pointed out that any amendments to existing rules could only be done during the annual meeting and that the votes of two thirds of all the members of the policy board are required. San Beda coach Frankie Lim also reacted strongly to the proposal. Daniel bagged the season and Finals MVP awards. “Tell them to teach their players to compete,” Lim said.  “Improve their programs and recruit better players.” Ronnie Nathanielsz