THE University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons may have taken a big blow as university officials reveal that Jared Bahay, National Basketball Training Center’s (NBTC) top ranked high school athlete and most sought-after incoming UAAP rookie, had “a change of heart.”
In a Facebook post, UP officials offered their deep support for the young guard, citing the particular bond they’ve formed throughout the two years that JHouse has devoted to them.
“In the last two years, the UP MBT and Jared Bahay have developed a special relationship. We envisioned a common future with Jared handling the reins of a championship-caliber team. We believed in his immense talent and capacity to lead,” UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol stated.
“However, not all things go according to plan. Although we have remained in our commitment to Jared, outside forces have intervened for him to have a change of heart,” he continued, explaining the cause for the decommitment.
In April of last year, the 5-foot-11 Cebuano playmaker revealed his early commitment to the Fighting Maroons before leading Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu to a successful title defense in the just ended CESAFI Season 23 juniors tournament.
Photo Courtesy: Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas | Facebook
Bahay is a highly decorated high school senior. He is a two-time CESAFI high school MVP, a Palarong Pambansa gold medalist, the best high school player at NBTC Philippines, and a previous part of the Batang Gilas squad.
Unfortunately for the UP community, Bahay’s recent tournament performance may have caught the attention of other universities that may have offered him a far better opportunity.
Even before he made his statement today, speculations circulated that Bahay was considering other choices despite his commitment to UP.
“It is with a heavy heart that we respect his decision. A man should be at liberty to choose his own destiny. Godspeed and the best of luck to him,” Perasol remarked.
Despite having a bitter taste in their mouths because of Bahay’s change of heart, the entire UP MBT will still support him no matter where he goes. “The ‘J-House’ has a new home. We hope the ‘J-House’ will always be home, wherever that be,” added Perasol.
Photo Courtesy: Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas | Facebook
Rumors are circulating that Bahay is headed back to his alma mater, the Ateneo Blue Eagles, for Season 87. This came when head coach Tab Baldwin was spotted watching the top-ranked high school player’s finals game.
Furthermore, Bahay is rumored to be ‘likely heading’ to Ateneo, while the reigning champion La Salle Green Archers have also shown interest in the star playmaker’s talents.
