Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

HOOPS

Stevens joins Fighting Maroons

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UP GANI Stevens will patrol the paint for the University of the Philippines starting Season 87 of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
SOCIAL MEDIA

University of the Philippines continues its buildup as it recruited 6-foot-7 slotman Gani Stevens for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

In a statement, the Fighting Maroons stressed that Stevens had already agreed to join them, forming a triple-tower that also features 6-foot-7 Luis Pablo and 6-foot-8 Gagate, who both came from La Salle Green Hills, with swingman Francis Lopez providing firepower.

Stevens, however, will have to serve a one-year residency and will be deployed starting Season 87 in 2024 as he already played one season with the University of the East, where he averaged 9.36 points, 6.29 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game in the previous season.

By then, he will have the lion’s share of the minutes as reigning Most Valuable Player Malick Diouf had already exhausted his playing year.

Stevens’ recruitment was a fitting birthday gift for UP coach Goldwin Monteverde, who turned 52 on Tuesday, as it will give them a chance to field a solid team in the years to come.

“We already love what we have right now with the likes of Francis, Seven, and Luis. Adding another young, hardworking center in Gani will certainly give us more versatility in our frontcourt as we continue to build our program in the seasons to come,” Monteverde said.

UP basketball director Bo Perasol said they are doing their best to make sure that fresh talent will be available to play for the Maroons, especially after big man Carl Tamayo forfeited his last playing year to compete in the Japan B. League with the Ryukyu Golden Kings.

“It’s now rare for players to use all of their five playing years so we want to be prepared whenever one of our players plays well then they get offers to play internationally or in the professional ranks,” Perasol said.

“We’re happy and proud of Carl but at the same time, we have to be secure with our program.”

Team manager Atty. Aga Uvero also couldn’t wait to see Stevens suit up for UP as it guns for its fourth UAAP title.

“We’re excited to add another promising talent in Gani. We’re sure that he can contribute to the winning tradition we’ve established and hope to continue,” Uvero said.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

SPORTS

SOCIAL MEDIAManny Pacquiao knows his time is up. This was the keen observation made by a longtime member of his training team who spent...

ESPORTS

SOCIAL MEDIAThe dynamic duo of Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and Danerie James “Wise” del Rosario is back with a bang after leading Blacklist International to...

SPORTS

SOCIAL MEDIAThe University Athletic Association of the Philippines will have a full calendar of sports events for Season 85 starting 1 October. UAAP President...

ESPORTS

SOCIAL MEDIAECHO has revealed its roster for the upcoming M4 Mobile Legends World Championship to be held 1-15 January 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The...

SPORTS

SOCIAL MEDIAIt’s going to be business as usual as the Philippine Basketball Association will not stop its on-court activities when it gives way for...

SPORTS

SOCIAL MEDIAIt doesn’t look as if newly-crowned Melvin Jerusalem will get the luxury of defending his minimumweight crown against a handpicked rival after the...

SPORTS

Mitchell, meanwhile, is a six-foot shooting guard frowm Hartford University.

SPORTS

SOCIAL MEDIALegendary boxing referee Carlos ‘Sonny’ Padilla was recently inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Famous for serving as the third man...

Copyright © DAILY TRIBUNE