I'm from UST and unlike most schools, I understand we don't have the same kind of budget that can compete against the likes of NU, Ateneo, La Salle, even FEU and UE.. We can't guarantee a PBA draft for students, heck we're not even affiliated with any D-League team to keep the players together during the summer.
Every player who either moved or stayed with UST are considered blessings. From K-Fer, Jervy (courtesy of Coach Acot) to Jeric (thanks to that Teng-Pumaren rift in RP Youth). Btw, Abdul wanted out before the season started because he realized he can get more money for his performance from other schools.
I really wanted to hate the idea of schools paying students and their families TOP MONEY just to land the talent (especially when you're comparing NCAA's regulations in the states) but when you start to assess the situation, given the risks involved in playing basketball, it's acceptable to know that the students are the ones who are truly benefiting from it. Of course, the boosters will find ways to get their money back but we keep forgetting that a huge fraction of these kids dedicated their lives to the game and a vast majority of them won't make it to the pros. It's nice to equip them with the money now and more importantly, the education to prepare them to whatever comes next.
It's just sad because I know we can come up with the budget that can compete with today's glamour schools, but I just don't see UST allowing it. It took NU 60 years to win another title and if our school would still refuse to bend to today's "semi-pro league" trend, I just hope they overhaul our basketball program (coaching staff), putting a higher premium in player development, teaching them how to REALLY play basketball.. (kami lang yata may players na habang tumatagal, humihina.. Even UST graduates in the pros can't play D because of poor basketball foundations). Build off of that along with UST's education, budget and rich basketball tradition to attract talent.