Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!
MANILA, Philippines — (UPDATED) Lyceum of the Philippines University swingman and reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player CJ Perez is set to miss Game 1 of the Season 94 finals, where the Pirates will be facing defending champion San Beda University.
This, after Perez failed to inform the NCAA that he had applied for the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft.
The development was first reported by Rick Olivares on PhilStar and confirmed by Lyceum coach Topex Robinson.
In a statement released Monday evening -- just a day before Game 1 of the best-of-3 finals series -- the league said that Perez "only informed the NCAA of his application days after he submitted the same to the PBA, after the same was already the subject of numerous news reports."
ADVERTISEMENT
NCAA rules mandate that student-athletes must inform the league, in writing, of their intent to apply for the draft of any professional league before submitting their applications.
Lyceum appealed to the Management Committee regarding Perez's one-game ban, but the Policy Board denied the move.
"It should be stressed that the NCAA's action on this incident was made after carefully considering the best interest of the league and of the student-athletes," NCAA chairman Frank Gusi said in the league's statement.
"It is in accordance with existing NCAA rules, and is ultimately intended to promote the spirit of sportsmanship and discipline in the league."
Thus, the Pirates will be without their main man when they play the Red Lions on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
It is a tough blow for the Pirates, who are hoping to earn a breakthrough championship in the NCAA after its Cinderella season was spoiled by San Beda last year.
Perez, who is tipped to be one of the top draft picks this year, is averaging 18.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.3 steals per game for the Pirates.
San Beda and Lyceum split their elimination round meetings this year, then dismissed separate opponents in the Final 4 to set up a rematch for the championship.
For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.
ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.
Our website is made possible by displaying online
advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting
us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.
Our website is made possible by displaying online
advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting
us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.
