ILULUNSAD n g University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) ang girls basketball bilang demonstration sports sa Season 82.

Isasabay ang laro sa boys tournament sa pagbubukas ng liga sa Oktubre 26.

“It’s long overdue for the UAAP to have a basketball tournament for the girls,” ayon kay UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag.

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Ang mga miyembrong schools na nag-commit ng sasali ay ang Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle-Zobel, University of Santo Tomas, at Adamson University.

Inaasahan ng pamunuan ng liga na makatutulong ang organisasyon sa pagpapaunlad ng basketball sa at sa mabilis na transition ng mga babaeng players mula sa junior patungo sa collegiate.

“This is very important for the development of our women’s players. Schools want to recruit girls out of high school who are already fundamentally sound,” ani Ateneo Representative to the Board Erika Dy, dating coach ng Ateneo Lady Eagles noong 2013-2015.

“Without a Girls’ Division, there is not much interest from young dreamers to begin with at that level.”

Hangad din ng liga na makakatulong sa Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas para makatuklas ng mga talento para sa Girls’ National Team.

“Having a Girls’ Division is consistent with the UAAP’s mission to provide a training ground for our future national athletes. As much as the college teams will benefit from this, it’s really our Gilas Women’s Team that will reap fruits from it in the future,” pahayag ni Dy.

“It’s a big step forward for women’s basketball. In the ASEAN region, we really need the exposure sa women’s side,” sambit ni UAAP Basketball Commissioner Jensen Ilagan.

Makakatulong ni Ilagan para pangasiwaan ang Girls’ Basketball event ang unang league female Deputy Commissioner na si Ms. Edith Boticario.

Si Boticario na nagtapos ng Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Wellness mula sa University of Makati ay isang FIBA-licensed official at dating PBA referee.

“This is a testament to the league’s commitment to inclusiveness,” ani Saguisag.