James Payosing, a former NCAA Finals MVP with San Beda, joins the UP Fighting Maroons and will be eligible for UAAP Season 89.
UAAP Season 87 champion UP Fighting Maroons remain hard at work for their continued contention with the addition of James Payosing, an NCAA champion and Finals MVP.
Payosing - who averaged 9.7 points and 12.7 rebounds in the title series where San Beda won it all in NCAA Season 99 - will be a shot in the arm for the Fighting Maroons come UAAP Season 89 next year, when Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Janjan Felicilda, Terrence Fortea, and Reyland Torres will all have played out their eligibility.
"Si James yung isa sa mga magme-make sure na magko-continue lang yung laban natin even 'pag tapos na yung mga champions natin ngayon. We are very excited to have him," said two-time seniors and juniors champion coach Goldwin Monteverde.
The 6-foot-2 guard stepped up when it mattered most in the Red Lions' championship two years ago, as he upped his game in the Finals after only norming 7.7 points and 6.9 rebounds in the elimination round.
Aside from his big game ability, Payosing is a workhorse who can make an impact on both ends, making him a perfect fit for Monteverde's system in his two years of eligibility for State U.
While he serves his one-year residency, UP will protect its throne in UAAP Season 88 later this year led by the likes of Abadiano, Alarcon, and Francis Lopez.