MANILA--The COVID-19 situation in the Philippines forced the UAAP to totally shelve its 83rd season.
In a saddening development on Friday night, the league announced the complete cancellation of the 2020-2021 season.
"After a series of discussions, the UAAP board of trustees came to this difficult decision, putting major consideration on the health and safety of the student-athletes and those involved in the operations of our competitions," the UAAP said in a statement.
Had COVID-19 not getting in the way, the league would have been finishing up its men's basketball tournament at this time.
Instead, the UAAP student athletes will now need to wait for nine months to finally swing back to action assuming the league still begins the 2021-2022 season by September.
With the season cancellation, according to the UAAP, its member schools can now focus on what is left of their activities for the academic year.
"The decision will allow UAAP member schools to plan their activities for the remainder of the academic year as well as their athletic programs for next season," the statement continued.
Meanwhile, further discussions will be made by the two UAAP boards regarding some matters that would be affected by the cancellation like the eligibility of student athletes especially those who are graduating.
"Both the board of trustees and the board of managing directors will further discuss the implications of the cancellation for the guidance of the member schools and student athletes," the league's statement concluded.
There were still plans of holding Season 83 by April likely through bubbles, although it will be limited to the basketball and volleyball events.
But with the season fully scrapped, it may lead to a influx of players foregoing their final year and declare for the PBA, PFL, and the PVL.
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