By NIKOLE JAVIER
Gani Stevens is thrilled more than pressured as he is set to take over the responsibilities left by big man Malick Diouf when he suits up for University of the Philippines in the coming UAAP Season 87.
The 6-foot-7 center, who debuted with University of the East in Season 85, made his move all the way to Katipunan last year and completed his one-year residency.
There, UP became the third school that the Filipino-American has joined since being initially recruited by University of Santo Tomas.
With three more season ahead of him in the State U, the 19-year-old is seeking to experience the school to the fullest by exhausting all his playing years with the squad.
“It was great. Obviously, you know it feels great. When I was at UE, I saw the greatness that this team had. I always see them at the finals, I always see their crowd. I’m really excited especially this past off season, I have been very eager to play. Watching the finals just made me more hungry to play. I can’t wait to finally put myself in the position where I can compete this season,” said Stevens during the UP Fight Isang Pagdiriwang ng Utak at Pusong Palaban at the University Theatre on Friday, Feb. 9.
In his debut with UE, Stevens averaged 9.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist as a starter.
Stevens, though, is expected to fulfill an even bigger role as Diouf was one of the catalysts that brought UP to three straight finals berth.
“Trying to fill in the shoes [Malick] left, I’m gonna try to play the offensive and defensive cleaning up, putting the boards, put backs, and also trying to stop the other teams’ imports and local players,” he said.
Interestingly, Stevens is also set to reunite with his former UE teammate Noy Remogat, who just recently decided to follow in his footsteps by taking his talents to UP where he could play two more years as a guard starting in Season 88.
“It feels really good cause that UE team, I loved that. I’ve had such great chemistry with them and you know Noy every day we’re training together again and playing games. When I heard he was coming to UP, I was so excited because of that chemistry and bond that we’ve had in the first season. I’m just ready to play with him in Season 88,” he concluded.
