MANILA, Philippines– Girls basketball is making its debut in UAAP Season 82 as a demonstration sport.
Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle-Zobel, University of Santo Tomas, and Adamson University have committed to fielding teams in the girls’ basketball team, which will be played along with the juniors’ tournament.
“It’s long overdue for the UAAP to have a basketball tournament for the girls,” said UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag.
The league is hoping to see other schools develop their respective girl’s basketball programs as well to ensure a seamless transition from the high school to the collegiate tournament.
“This is very important for the development of our women’s players. Schools want to recruit girls out of high school who are already fundamentally sound,” said Erika Dy, Ateneo’s representative to the UAAP Board who also coached the Ateneo Lady Eagles from 2013-2015.
The tournament will begin late in October.
Meanwhile, the UAAP has appointed Edith Boticario as the deputy commissioner for UAAP Season 82.
Boticario, who is a Fiba-licensed official and a former PBA referee, is the league’s first female to assume the post.