Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) — The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons added another big man to beef up their already stacked frontcourt rotation.
UP announced Tuesday that it has acquired 6-foot-7 Filipino American Gani Stevens, who will be eligible to play in UAAP Season 87.
“We already love what we have right now with sina Francis, Seven, and Luis,” Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde said in a statement.
\”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,\” he added.
Stevens previously played for the University of the East Red Warriors in UAAP Season 85, where he averaged 9.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and one assist as a starter.
UP’s frontline includes graduating Malick Diouf, 6-foot-5 Francis \” LeBron\” Lopez, 6-foot-8 Seven Gagate, 6-foot-7 Luis Pablo, 6-foot-5 LA Andres, 6-foot-9 Sean Alter, 6-foot-4 Aldous Torculas, and 6-foot-5 Mark Belmonte.
It’s a busy recruiting offseason for the Fighting Maroons following the departures of nine players including Carl Tamayo, Zavier Lucero, and James Spencer.
UP men’s basketball program director Bo Perasol said loading up on talent was made to ensure their continued contention even with players’ changing priorities.
“Nagiging bihira na lang ang players na tinatapos ang five years sa college ngayon e, so we want to be prepared whenever one of our players plays well tapos gets offers sa international o sa pro,” he said.
“We’re happy and proud sa nangyari kay Carl (Tamayo), siyempre. At the same time, we have to be secured din sa programa natin,” he added.
