FIBA Over Flair: Saguisag Justifies UAAP’s Focus on Traveling

Photo Sources: Vyn Radovan, Rebo Saguisag’s IG

The UAAP Season 87 basketball tournaments have witnessed a significant increase in traveling violations called by game officials, sparking heated debate among fans, players, and coaches. While some argue the rigid enforcement disrupts the flow of games and diminishes the viewing experience, others see it as a necessary step toward aligning the league with international standards.

UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag weighed in on the issue, emphasizing the league’s commitment to FIBA rules and the importance of consistency in officiating. In an exclusive interview with ALL-STAR Magazine, Saguisag addressed the surge in traveling calls and the broader implications for the development of Filipino basketball talent.

A Notable Uptick in Traveling Calls

“I do know that we’ve reached and exceeded the amount of traveling violations or infractions early in the second round. Meaning, the total of Season 86 nalagpasan kaagad when we [weren’t] even halfway done through the season,” Saguisag revealed.

Despite the dramatic increase, Saguisag dismissed suggestions that special instructions were issued to referees this season. “There’s no special instruction on how it is called. Parang they’ve been consistent. [The Commissioners] are in their second year. So, wala namang, really, conscious effort para bantayan siya. They just need to follow FIBA, in the same way that it’s called.”

The Role of Skill Trainers and the “Extra Step”

One factor potentially contributing to the rise in traveling violations is the influence of skill trainers. Many UAAP players now work with specialized trainers who emphasize advanced footwork, including moves that mimic the extra step commonly seen in the NBA. While these techniques are legal in the professional game, they often conflict with stricter FIBA interpretations of traveling.

Saguisag noted this difference as a possible point of confusion for players. “Ang problema sa’tin kasi, maybe, some of these skilled coaches are mainly oriented in the pro call.”

He added that leniency in officiating could inadvertently reinforce bad habits. “Eh kasi kapag pinakawalan mo na, you start to give them an extra step, an extra step. Again, what I’m saying is have disclaimers. We have to settle first whether or not tama ba ’yung tawag o hindi.”

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Correctness Over Quantity

For Saguisag, the key issue isn’t the number of traveling calls but whether the infractions are being called correctly. “First and foremost, we have to have data first also, not just the number of traveling calls, more importantly, whether or not they were correct calls. Kasi if they’re really traveling, edi traveling. They have to call it.”

The UAAP, he explained, has measures in place to address officiating errors. Coaches regularly seek clarifications with the commissioner’s office, which issues reports to teams when incorrect calls are made. “Kapag gano’n, inaamin naman nila. They would come up with written reports to this particular team who submits or raises a concern.”

FIBA Rules and International Preparation

Saguisag highlighted the UAAP’s role in preparing players for international competition, where adherence to FIBA rules is non-negotiable. “As long as you are under the SBP, and the SBP is under FIBA, if we’re under the FIBA charter, we’re supposed to follow FIBA rules.”

He also pointed out that leniency in officiating could hinder the development of players aiming to excel in global tournaments. “Kasi kapag pinakawalan natin ’to, pagdating sa international, kapag tinawagan na naman ng traveling, edi malilito na naman sila. Mabuti nang sanay na sila ngayon.”

Saguisag compared the situation to professional players struggling to adjust to stricter officiating in international competitions. “Even in the NBA, when they play in the Olympics, medyo naninibago din ’yan. So talagang dapat Olympics-style, FIBA-style tayo.”

Balancing Consistency and Enjoyment

Acknowledging the frustrations of fans, student-athletes, and coaches, Saguisag underscored the need for consistent enforcement of rules.

“It’s safer to say that they have to be consistent. Consistency on how they started the season. According to the commissioner, in the same way that they called it in Season 86.”

While critics argue that the strict enforcement detracts from the entertainment value of games, Saguisag maintained that the league cannot compromise on the rules. “Ang hirap kasi kapag papakawalan mo, and where do you draw the line? … For as long as I’m concerned, attendance is there, viewership is there, interest is there.”

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, Saguisag views the debate as a matter of perspective, noting that proper enforcement benefits players in the long run.

“If they’re really traveling, there is no choice but to call it. They have to adjust.”

With the UAAP committed to upholding FIBA standards, the onus is on players and coaches to adapt, ensuring they are better equipped to compete on the international stage. As Saguisag put it, “We’re trying to produce international-caliber talent. Kasi kapag pinakawalan natin ‘to, pagdating sa international, kapag tinawagan na naman ng traveling, edi malilito na naman sila. Mabuti nang sanay na sila ngayon.”

The debate over traveling calls will likely persist, but for Saguisag, the league’s mission remains clear: to prepare student-athletes for the highest levels of competition.