Agonizing wait for Cani’s teacher-father; Aquino signs Pia’s bill

Energen Pilipinas guard Hubert Cani fights Japan’s Daiki Kaneko for the loose ball as Nic Dalafu looks on.

Saying that the wait is agonizing, the father of Ateneo-recruit Hubert Cani Thursday appealed to the UAAP board to allow his son to play in the coming UAAP men’s basketball season which unwraps September 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

‘‘I am appealing to the members of the UAAP board to allow my son to play,’’ said Angelito Cani, who is teaching Physical Education at De La Salle-Dasmariñas for the last 13 years.

Also an assistant coach of the DLSU-Dasmariñas men’s basketball team, the 44-year-old Cani expressed elation that President Aquino has already signed the Student-Athletes Protection Act last Aug. 26.

The new law put an end to the four-year fight of Senator Pia Cayetano to stop the UAAP’s imposition of residency rules to athletes wanting to transfer and play for other schools.

‘‘I know that the board is saying that the rule cannot be applied on Hubert, but look it’s now a law and we are supposed to follow the law,’’ said the elder Cani. ‘‘ Our family is hoping for a change of hearts among the members of the board.’’

Cani said he immediately called his son, who’s living at the Blue Eagles quarters, upon learning the decision of the board.

‘‘I told him to stay focus and continue his normal routine,’’ said Cani.

The young Cani practices five times a week with the Blue Eagles and play tune-up games during weekends.

‘‘Hubert is ready to play. He has prepared hard for the coming season,’’ said Angelito, who is also a former basketball referee.

Cani also expressed his gratitude for the school and the alumni for supporting his son.

‘‘Our family is very thankful for the support. Our hopes are being bolstered,’’ said Cani.

The young Cani played with distinction for the National University Bullpups. He also saw action for the Philippines under-16 and under-18 teams.