After initially committing to play for University of the Philippines, high school hotshot Jared Bahay opted to stay home as he announced his commitment with Ateneo de Manila University starting Season 87 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
In a statement, the 18-year-old playmaker from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu said he wants to continue his playing for a Jesuit institution where he can make an instant impact.
Bahay initially committed to play for the Fighting Maroons but UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development director Bo Perasol announced that they have no choice but to let him go after “outside forces intervened for him to have a change of heart.”
“I have decided to continue my studies at Ateneo de Manila and play for the Ateneo men’s basketball team. I believe that sustaining my Jesuit education will help unlock and sharpen my potential to the fullest, both on and off the court,” Bahay said.
“I am confident that their vision and holistic approach will contribute to my growth and maturity as a student, athlete and person.”
Bahay led the Magis Eagles to two Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. high school titles in his two-year stay.
Last year, Bahay had a double-double game of 14 points and 11 rebounds in a nail-biting 58-55 Game 3 win over the University of Visayas to clinch the CESAFI high school championship.
No less than Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo showed up to witness the Magis Eagles’ 80-65 win over the Baby Lancers in Game 2 last 14 December.
The Batang Gilas prospect was also instrumental in Central Visayas’ 77-73 win over the National Capital Region in the Palarong Pambansa last August.
Now that he’s already at Ateneo, Bahay is expected to see action in Season 87 in which he will team up with Filipino-Australian big man Mason Amos and Filipino-American guard Chris Koon.
Bahay couldn’t wait to join the Blue Eagles and learn at the feet of Baldwin.
“I am confident that their vision and holistic approach will contribute to my growth and maturity as a student, athlete, and person. I look forward to joining Coach Tab, the team, and the rest of the Ateneo community soon,” Bahay said.
Baldwin is also excited to have the country’s top high school prospect in the squad.
