University of the Philippines forward Rob Ricafort will finally be able to play for the Fighting Maroons on Saturday.
The 24-year-old was given the green light to suit up this UAAP Season 80 after securing a temporary restraining order (TRO) from Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar of Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 19, according to UP coach Bo Perasol.
“Rob Ricafort chose to fight for a chance, for a change. If you know his personal story, you will understand that this is no longer just about ball for him; this is about his life. Playing in the UAAP was his dream. Now it will come true,” the affable mentor said.
Ricafort was earlier ruled ineligible by the UAAP eligibility committee for exceeding the maximum age limit of 25. His appeal, which was forwarded by UP president Danilo Concepcion, was later denied by the UAAP Board of Trustees.
He will only turn 25 in January next year, with the basketball season already over.
Thanks to the TRO, Ricafort will be able to don the maroon-and-white on UP starting on Saturday against league-leader La Salle at Mall of Asia Arena.
Perasol said the TRO is a triumph for Ricafort who fought for his rights to play for his first and final playing year in the UAAP.
“Rob took great lengths to assert his rights. The court has spoken. Nobody has the power to deny him that right which the court has protected. As his coach, the least I could do is to help him get back up, after stumbling in life many times over in the past,” he said.