Stevens will be a valuable piece for UP come Season 87.
Another big man is set to join the University of the Philippines.
The Fighting Maroons announced on Tuesday that they have secured the transfer of 6-foot-7 Filipino-American Gani Stevens who was a crucial piece for the University of the East in UAAP Season 85.
Stevens will have to sit out Season 86 due to residency, but his arrival in Season 87 will just come at the right time, as reigning MVP Malick Diouf will have fulfilled his eligibility the season prior.
Coach Goldwin Monteverde welcomed the arrival of Stevens as they continue to stack up promising bigs for the future.
"Adding another young, hardworking center in Gani will certainly give us more versatility in our frontcourt as we continue to build our program in the seasons to come,” said Monteverde.
In his lone season with UE, Stevens posted averages of 9.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists.
A few months ago, UP already secured the services of La Salle Green Hills standouts in Luis Pablo and Seven Gagate.
According to UP basketball program director Bo Perasol, their decision to snatch up the former Red Warriors was to ensure their continued contention even with players' changing priorities.
"Nagiging bihira na lang ang players na tinatapos ang five years sa college ngayon e, so we want to be prepared whenever one of our players plays well tapos gets offers sa international o sa pro," said Perasol.
Stevens will definitely be a key piece for UP’s championship hopes starting Season 87.
“We’re excited to add another promising talent in Gani,” added team manager Atty. Agaton Uvero. “We’re sure that he can contribute to the winning tradition we’ve established and hope to continue.”
(GM)