ANOTHER rising star is ready to take his talents abroad, as UAAP Season 87 champion Francis Lopez of the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons will start his professional career in Japan.
On Monday, the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Developments (OASD) announced that the high-flying Lopez would leave UP and play for the Fighting Eagles Nagoya in the Japan B.League.
Lopez still has three years of college eligibility and just competed for the Fighting Maroons in the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup, which is why the move is viewed as a significant development in college basketball.
In last Saturday’s 95-66 triumph over the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazers saw the 6-foot-6 wingman dropping 22 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, dishing out two assists, steals, and blocks.
Next Man UP
While Lopez’s choice is startling in terms of how unexpected the announcement was, OASD Director Bo Perasol remains fully supportive of his future aspirations, admitting that pride triumphs over sadness.
“’Di tayo dapat malungkot dahil nakaka-proud itong gagawin ni Francis. He’s the latest proof that what we do works and our student-athletes give pride to the UP community,” said Perasol.
Lopez’s departure means he will now join former teammates Carl Tamayo and JD Cagulangan, as well as OGs Javi and Juan Gomez de Liano, as Asian imports in professional leagues in Japan and Korea.
Remarkable Run
Lopez was a previous Rookie of the Year who played a significant role in UP’s redemption campaign last season, making clutch shots. Last season, he averaged 10.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 blocked shots.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
It is worth noting that his dagger three in Game 3 of the finals put the Fighting Maroons in a comfortable position to win their historic second collegiate league title in the last four seasons.
“Thank you to the UP Fighting Maroons and the UP Community for the wonderful two years. I will never forget it. UP Fight forever,” Lopez said, in the official post made by the OASD on Facebook.
Losing Lopez may not be a significant loss for the stacked UP Fighting Maroons, who are still focused on defending their title with key players Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Jacob Bayla, and the upcoming Rey Remogat.
