MANILA – Ilonggo cager Gerry Abadiano will wear the colors of the University of the Philippines (UP) for his college ball.
The Batang Gilas mainstay told Panay News over the weekend he is ready to do his part for the Dolreich “Bo” Perasol-mentored Fighting Maroons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
“Always ready dapat ako sa lahat,” he added.
Abadiano, who did huge contributions for the National University (NU) Bullpups’ back-to-back championships in UAAP juniors basketball, admitted it was not an easy decision for him to transfer to UP. He had to consult the matter with his family first.
“Nakapag paalam naman ako ng maayos sa NU and kay coach Goldwyn (Monteverde). Nung namimili ako ng school for college, I also considered ‘yung pang long term,” Abadiano said.
“As we all know, basketball is not forever. Iba din ‘yung makapagtapos ka sa magandang school like UP,” he added.
Perasol, for his part, said that Abadiano and fellow Bullpup Carl Tamayo are great weapons for the rebuilding Fighting Maroons. Six of UP’s players graduated last year while five more are set to depart after Season 83.
“Coming straight out of high school, they have five full playing years with them,” he added.
UP’s other latest recruits were RC Calimag, Miguel Tan, Fil-Australian prospect Ethan Kirkness, former De La Salle University Green Archers guard Joel Cagulangan, Fil-American guard Sam Dowd, and Fil-Canadians Alonso Tan and Anton Eusebio./PN
