Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroon Rob Ricafort looks set to finally suit up in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80.
Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar of Branch 19 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Manila issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to allow Rob Ricafort to play in the ongoing season.
This season is set to be Ricafort’s first and last year of eligibility in the tournament.
The UAAP Eligibility Committee initially recommended that Ricafort was ineligible to play after he was deemed to have exceeded the maximum age limit of 25.
Ricafort will turn 25 in January of 2018, after the conclusion of the basketball tournament of Season 80.
UP management elevated the matter to the UAAP Board of Trustees, but their appeal was denied.
“Rob Ricafort chose to fight for a chance, for a change. If you know his personal story, you will understand that this is no longer just about ball for him; this is about his life,” UP head coach Bo Perasol said in a statement. “Playing in the UAAP was his dream.”
Prior to joining the Fighting Maroons, Ricafort spent time in the developmental teams of De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas.
Ricafort expressed his delight at the decision on his Instagram account.
“I don’t even know where to begin to thank all the people that helped me and kept me up through out all this. So many emotions right now,” Ricafort posted. “You can count on me to play my heart out every single minute I’m on that court.”
When pressed for a comment, UAAP Commissioner Atty. Rebo Saguisag says that they have yet to receive a copy of the ruling.
But Perasol is confident that Ricafort will be able to play, and says that the UP fans can expect him to suit up against the La Salle Green Archers on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Read: UP’s Rob Ricafort fighting for UAAP basketball dream
