The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) will be recognizing the best foreign student-athletes starting in second-semester sports.

UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag said it’s about time for them to honor the individual brilliance of foreign student-athletes who have led their respective schools to victories based on their rankings through statistical points.

The UAAP second semester is now in full blast with juniors high school basketball. Then, fan-favorite women’s volleyball will take centerstage this Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Saguisag said honoring the best foreign student-athlete will preserve the prestige of the Most Valuable Player award, which will be given to the best local performer.

Foreign student-athletes, however, will still be eligible for other individual awards, such as selections to All-UAAP Teams or Mythical Teams in their respective sports. Additionally, international student-athletes who previously studied in a local high school can still qualify for Rookie of the Year honors.

“If an FSA leads the statistical race in sports like basketball or volleyball, they will be honored with this new title,” Saguisag said during a press conference on Thursday.

“The Best Foreign Student-Athlete award will be given across all UAAP sports but only if a foreign student-athlete finishes as the leader in events where statistical points are available. In that case, they will receive the Best Foreign Student-Athlete award, while the highest-ranking local player in the statistical race will be recognized as the Most Valuable Player.”

Aside from rewarding the best foreign performers, the UAAP will also expand its video challenge system with what it calls the “Reaching Beyond” challenge, a system that is also being used by the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

Previously, overreaching calls were solely at the discretion of referees. With this challenge system, teams can now dispute such calls to further improve accuracy and quality of officiating and ensure fair play throughout the tournament.

“As I mentioned earlier, we’re including the ‘Reaching Beyond’ challenge, which the PVL is also doing,” Saguisag said.

“And again, this is the UAAP, so we try to align ourselves with FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) rules and regulations.”

National University will aim to retain its crowns in both the men’s and women’s divisions while University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University and Far Eastern University are expected to put up a strong fight after boosting their respective rosters.

Rounding out the tournament are Ateneo de Manila University, Adamson University, University of the Philippines and University of the East.