CIT-U star disqualified

CEBU, Philippines - Dimco, two-time All-Star, couldn't play in 13th CESAFI basketball season A basketball star from the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats has been disqualified from playing in the 13th season of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) for his failure to comply with the academic requirements set forth by the league.

Commissioner Felix "Boy" O. Tiukinhoy, Jr. said after a thorough deliberation of the athletes' credentials, they found out that ace Wildcat Jose Allan Dimco, a two-time CESAFI All-Star and a Slam Dunk artist, did not meet the 60 percent passing rate, hence, he is not eligible to compete in the league's upcoming cage wars set to kick off on August 3 at the Cebu Coliseum.        

In the amended rules and regulations for CESAFI 2012-2013 tournaments, Article A Section 1.6 stipulates that "a student athlete must get passing marks at least 60 % of his/her academic units in the last two semesters before the current school year. Subject/s withdrawn during these semesters is/are not included in the computation of the 60%. In the case where all the subjects of the semester were withdrawn, the semester cannot be counted as one of the last two semester."

Tiukinhoy said that aside from Dimco, they initially found out that Daryl Goloran of defending champion Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras also did not meet such academic provision although Goloran's case is still subject for review by the technical committee.

Also, Ervin Badrina's admission to the league is still pending. Badrina, who is listed under the roster of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, is said to have lack of units enrolled in the first semester for the school year 2011-2012 although it is still subject for confirmation with AMA Computer College.

Tiukinhoy said the concerned players have only until this Saturday, July 20, to submit the pertinent documents that could prove they are eligible to see action in Cebu's premiere inter-school athletic league this year.

Among the collegiate contenders who do not have any problems as far as the eligibility of their players is concerned are the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers, University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars, University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, and the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters.

These qualified players are not yet off the hook though as they still have to undergo a mandatory drug testing that will be enforced by the CESAFI for the first time in an effort to preseve the clean image and protect the integrity of the league. (FREEMAN)