By NIKOLE JAVIER
Francis Lopez has been given the green light by the UAAP Board to play in the upcoming Season 86 of the men’s basketball tournament beginning Saturday, Sept. 30.
The University of the Philippines rookie should become a promising reinforcement for the Fighting Maroons in their redemption campaign after their championship defeat against the Ateneo Blue Eagles last season.
The 20-year-old forward’s eligibility in the UAAP was up in the air during the offseason following his signing with Overtime Elite, a United States-based professional basketball league.
However, the Filipino-Angolan never once ended up suiting up for Overtime which is why the league’s board “unanimously” gave Lopez the clearance, as per UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development director Bo Perasol.
“First and foremost, I’m just really happy for Francis. I really think that he deserves to play in this country, but there was a unanimous decision about [him] playing,” Perasol said during the pre-season press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at the MOA Arena.
“It’s all about giving him the chance to play. He’s young, he’s got the talent, so he needs to showcase whatever he has,” he added.
Lopez was a former Ateneo High School star before deciding to take his talent to UP in the collegiate scene, where he already played in a couple of preseason tournaments for.
With the departure of Carl Tamayo, Zavier Lucero and Henry Galinato, who all jumped to the pro rank, Lopez’s addition to the Fighting Maroons should help the void.
“We’re very happy that Lebron could join us this season. Besides that I’m very happy for him, for having this chance to be able to play kasi for a young guy like Francis. Siyempre ‘oyng exposure would be big. Sayang din kung mawawala rin sa kanya iyon. Isa pang reason, he’s a very big key player and very happy with the development,” UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde said.
