The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons continued their recruitment haul as they nabbed the commitment of the country’s best high school player in Cebuano, Jared Bahay of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles.
“I chose UP because of the quality education they can provide, their community is the best, and you can really see how they’re a family to each other,” said the Grade-11 student who led the Magis Eagles to the Cesafi Season 22 high school title last year. He was also named the Most Valuable Player of the high school division.
That feat, along with his stellar performances in the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship 2022 and the FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship 2022 resulted in him being ranked no. 1 in NBTC's annual rankings of the best HS players in the Philippines.
With Bahay flashing his fine form to the tune of 17.5 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, the Magis Eagles also made it all the way to the semifinals of the 2023 Smart-NBTC National Finals, where they lost to eventual champions National University in double overtime.
Bahay will finish his HS career with the Magis Eagles before moving forward with the Fighting Maroons come UAAP Season 87.
"I made an early decision to commit because I already want to know the system that coach Gold [Monteverde] runs so it will be easier for me to transition when I come in. UP presented a clearer plan that will benefit my future and family," he said.
The 17-year-old Gilas Pilipinas Youth standout will be a ready-made reinforcement for a guard rotation that already features JD Cagulangan, Terrence Fortea, and Gerry Abadiano.
"Siyempre, we're excited to see how Jared can help the team, and, at the same time, how we can help him to continue to improve," said head coach Goldwin Monteverde.
With this, UP now has three of the NBTC's top five HS players, as Luis Pablo and fellow Cebuano Seven Gagate earlier committed to the program, as well as Gilas Men pool member Lebron Lopez, Gilas Youth player Joshua Coronel, and 6-foot-8 Fil-Am Sean Alter.
"Of course, we're happy to have ganitong mga talent join us kasi tayo naman sa UP, the mindset is to always get better," said Monteverde.
For now, however, Bahay remains laser-focused on continuing to show the way for the Rommel Rasmo-mentored Magis Eagles and their title defense in the CESAFI's next season tipping off on August later in the year.
"Ibibigay ko pa rin po ang lahat ko para sa SHS-Ateneo next season," he said.