Rike rule: Good or bad?

Ateneo mentor Tab Baldwin welcomes the Troy Rike rule.

The ‘one-and-done-rule’ in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) should not be taken as a policy that could damage the integrity of the league.

For Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin, the league should not deny any student-athlete pursue a higher level of learning and at the same time represent the schools through sports.

“We are an academic institution and we shouldn’t be antagonistic to the students who want to pursue post-graduate academic degree and if they have eligibility, then that could potentially be a good thing for the league,” Baldwin said.

“I think that there is potential that it can be used in a way that the spirit of the rule intends,” he added.

Some schools are parading new players this coming Season 82 who have already graduated from college but are taking post-college degrees to be able to suit up for one year.

The policy, also called the Troy Rike rule referring to the former National University (NU) big man who suited up for the Bulldogs last year after completing his undergrad degree at Wake Forest, is now the schools’ tactic to beef up their respective rosters.

La Salle has three one-and-done players in Fil-Ams Keyshawn Evans (Illinois State), Jamie Orme (Portland State) and James Laput (Young Harris College) while University of the Philippines added Jaybie Mantilla, who already graduated at University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu.

Adamson (Valandre Chauca) and University of the East (Rey Suerte and Jed Mendoza) also have one-and-done players for the coming season while Far Eastern University’s Emman Ojoula was rejected by the league.

“For me personally, it’s a good thing for the players because they get a chance to play in the UAAP and prepare themselves for the professional leagues,” NU mentor Jamike Jarin said.

“In his (Troy) case, I am always for the development of young men. It would be unfair for me if they are not given a chance to play in the UAAP,” he added.

UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag said the Troy Rike rule is not even a rule and they need to be consistent with it the reason why Ojoula’s request was turned down.

“It’s not a rule. Maybe it’s a doctrine. If it’s a rule, then there should be an active rule that crop up with. He (Rike) was able to avail of that by the mere fact that he is a Filipino citizen,” Saguisag said.

UAAP Season 82 opened last Sunday with an opening ceremony at the Mall of Asia Arena and basketball actions start on Wednesday.