La Salle's Amos takes a hit with new UAAP eligibility rule

MANILA, Philippines – Newest La Salle big man Mason Amos stands to bear the brunt of the new UAAP ruling on eligibility years for transferees.

The UAAP on Wednesday announced a revised rule on the eligibility of players transferring from one member school to another and Amos is among those who could feel the heat of it the most following his shocking transfer from Ateneo.

Under the new rule, the UAAP will retain the traditional one-year residency requirement for transferees but will now deduct two years out of the maximum five-year playing eligibility from just one year in the past.

The resolution was approved by the UAAP board as early as February during the 86th Season but opted to not impose it retroactively for the transfers that transpired in the said season or the Academic Year 2023-2024 and beforehand.

The A.Y. 2023-2024 ended in May as soon as all the second semester events of the 86th season were finished, signaling the start for the 87th Season and the A.Y. 2024-2025 where the new rule applies.

Amos, unlike other notable transferees like Rey Remogat (UE to UP) and Kean Baclaan (NU to La Salle) who made their jumps after the basketball season in December 2023, leaped from Ateneo to La Salle only in July this year.

“The decision was noong na-approve that time was moving forward. Moving forward means if it’s approved by S86, it’s for the season ahead which is S87 or A.Y. 2024-2025. As we speak, it’s in effect or right after the S86 ended May 31, 2024, in effect na siya,” UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag told The STAR.

Incoming sophomore Amos only spent a year in Ateneo and now with an expected deduction of two years in his eligibility including sitting out for a year, he would only have two remaining years for La Salle in Seasons 88 and 89.

The effect, however, remains to be seen especially if Amos opts not to finish his playing years and go pro somewhere else — prompting Saguisag’s clarification that it may not be an issue for now.

While La Salle could appeal Amos’ case in the future based on technicalities — particularly on the date of transfer, the official start of the rule implementation and all — Saguisag said the UAAP would cross the