Ilonggo basketball teen sensation UP-bound

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

One of the most elite high school point-guards in the UAAP will be joining the stacked, young, and talented UP Fighting Maroons squad.

The UP management and head coach Bo Perasol confirmed and announced that Ilonggo standout Gerry Abadiano will be transferring from National University to UP.

Forming one of the most dominant dynasties in the UAAP juniors, the trio of Abadiano, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao made the NU Bullpups almost invincible, defeating Kai Sotto and the Ateneo Blue Eaglets in their finals clash.

Expected to remain with the NU program and bring the most-awaited championship trophy in the college division, everybody was stunned and surprised with Abadiano suiting up for the black and maroon.

The Junior Gilas Pilipinas point-guard posted averages of 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in their last championship run.

Joining Abadiano in the blockbuster acquisition is Tamayo, his teammate in NU and is also a highly regarded player in the UAAP.

The Junior Gilas Pilipinas cadet was named as the Finals MVP in their championship campaign last season 82, winning the trophy together with Abadiano.

“We are very happy to have Carl and Gerry in our team. Coming straight out of high school, they have five full playing years with the team. They will really be a big boost for our young team which is again in the process of rebuilding,” said coach Bo Perasol.

Abadiano and Tamayo will be joining Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero, Bright Akhuetie, Miguel Tan, Sam Dowd, Ethan Kirkness, Alonso Tan, and Anton Eusebio.