In an unprecedented press release, the UAAP has announced the implementation of the “call a friend” system, where teams may now reserve distinguished alumni to call them up if they go down a hefty deficit. Each team gets one chance per game to summon their chosen player for five minutes, which very well shapes the results.
Fans have called out the move, stating that some schools may be at a disadvantage when it comes to the quantity and availability of reserve players, while others rejoiced, excitedly awaiting the return of legends and favorites they’ve watched since they were days old.
Past calling
The new system, which will be implemented starting Season 89, has garnered significant attention across the association. In an interview with The LuhSallian, Green Archers Head Coach Topex Robinson detailed the ramifications on the team: “You know, with the team having a long history of victories and championships, this new system would give us great opportunities with all the players we can call up.”
This has also paved the way for veterans to showcase their skills against fresh faces, not only reinventing the wheel, but also showing that the past can still keep up with the future. Green Spiker Noel Kampton expressed his interest in the move: “Ang dami naming pwedeng maglaro sa mga past rosters.” On a similar note, former rival ADMU Blue Eagle Kai Sotto was excited to stack up on the team. “Gugulatin ko ang mundo when I’m called up by my alma mater, we’re going to be champs again.”
(There are a lot of players we can field in from our past rosters.) (I’m gonna surprise the world when I’m called up by my alma mater, we’re going to be champs again.)
Way back
Brotherly love ties people tighter on the court. During the 2025 offseason, the DLSU Green Archers were considered a reloading squad—with long-time Muntinlupa natives Kean Baclaan and Kevin Quiambao reuniting. The bond was reestablished between the MVP and the NU Bulldogs standout as they shared the court in numerous informal league outings, more widely known as ligang labas. “Ang ganda ng chemistry namin ngayon, pero siguradong amin ulit ‘yung championship next season kung makakasali si Malupiton sa lineup,” Baclaan mentioned, with the themes of what a what-if season could be like for the Green Archers.
(Our chemistry is great, but we will surely win the championship again if Malupiton joins the lineup next season.)
Quiambao would actually be the first player to bring the idea to the UAAP higher-ups, turning what was once a long shot into reality. “Sinabi ko talaga ‘yan; may feeling ako na susundan nila ‘yung hiling ko eh.”
(I really said that; I had a feeling that they were going to listen to my wish.)
Unfortunately for the international sensation, his packed schedule prevents him from subbing in for the Green Archers, yet he wishes them well and would suit up for the Green-and-White if given the chance.
Fast forward to April 1, with Quiambao, Baclaan, and the recently crowned Finals MVP Mike Phillips leaving the Green Archers in pursuit of their professional careers, and still no Malupiton. Jacob “Cool Cub” Cortez would be the first to make noise in relation to the new UAAP system. In classic Cortez fashion, he took to his TikTok reposts and Instagram stories to air out his opinions. A specific repost from him, which included text saying “U da real call a friend system,” had highlights of previous DLSU icons flashing in the background with the depressing song “Let Down” by Radiohead as the audio.
Nostalgia echoed throughout Cortez’s social media. On a TikTok live, he mentioned, “Man, honestly, I miss [the] boys. You know how I [am] when I call game, but nowadays I just wish I could call my friends.”
Reviving rivalries
The NU community declared on X to “brace for Bella Belen” as the former rookie MVP sees herself reunite the super rookie trio of Angel Canino and Shaina Nitura for another season-long thriller. The Lady Spikers faced a tough decision in choosing among their three veteran players: Amie Provido, Shevana Laput, and Canino. In the end, Canino was chosen to don the Green jersey once more, hoping to boost the Lady Spikers’ momentum in an “opportunity you cannot miss out on” for a showdown on which Alas Pilipinas standout can bag the gold. Ara Galang was another choice for the Lasallians to potentially reignite their classic rivalry with Ateneo’s Alyssa Valdez to the awe of the fans.
Meanwhile, the Lady Spikers and the UST Golden Tigresses’ historic rivalries rage on as the Green-and-White meet familiar opponents in Eya Laure and Sisi Rodina. When asked about the implications of going against a familiar foe in Laure, Canino was adamant to take one back against the former rivals, “Pinahirapan niya kami and natalo nila kami to prevent the sweep noong Season 85.” Alongside Laure, Rodina presents an opportunity to boost the Golden Tigresses out of their 16-year title drought. With the possible call-ups for each side, fans—young and old—anticipate the kickoff of the coming season to witness fantasy matchups come to life.
With the system slated for the UAAP Season 89, fans rejoice for the return of favorites from Big Ben to Motor Mike. The UAAP Community can finally decide the debate between who really is the better player in each respective sport, while fantasy matchups like Dwight Ramos vs KQ would leave people in awe, pitting the newfound talent of the future against the league’s momentous past.