Seven Blue Eagles face uncertain UAAP future due to academics

MANILA, Philippines – A source has told Rappler that 7 members of the Ateneo Blue Eagles face an uncertain future for the upcoming UAAP men’s basketball season due to academic issues.

According to the source, players Hubert Cani, Jerie Pingoy, CJ Perez, Arvin Tolentino, Clint Doliguez, John Apacible, and Kemark Carino will likely be unable to suit up next season (2016) due to being unable to meet the academic requirements of being a student-athlete in Ateneo.

The source said that a meeting took place on Saturday morning, May 28, between the Ateneo coaching staff and the players to discuss their options, which include filing an appeal to remain as students and possibly play again in the future.

When contacted by Rappler, Blue Eagles team manager Epok Quimpo did not confirm if those are the 7 players who are going to be ineligible, but did confirm that “some players fell short of the yearly QPI (grading average).

“Same as Thirdy [Ravena’s academic issue] last year,” said Quimpo, who later added: “Some of them are still waiting for grades. We will come up with a list.”

The source said that the players were able to pass the UAAP-required grade to play, but not that of Ateneo’s for its student-athletes.

Tolentino was the UAAP Season 77 Rookie of the Year, while Perez, a former San Sebastian standout, was slated to play his first season with the team after serving residency last season.

Cani and Pingoy played their first seasons as Blue Eagles last year after serving their own residency, while Apacible also played last year but was suspended following a drunk-driving incident.

Doliguez played for Ateneo in Season 77 while Carino saw action for the university’s Team B. – Rappler.com