FOR the first time, a player from the province has been hailed as the best high school player in NBTC 24.
Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu’s Jared Bahay ranked first in the 2023 list of the most impressive under-19 talents in all the Philippines. He’s the first non-UAAP and non-NCAA player to claim the top spot, following Adamson’s Encho Serrano, Ateneo’s Kai Sotto in back-to-back years, and San Beda’s Rhayyan Amsali.
The CESAFI Juniors MVP showed the way for the Season 22 champion Magis Eagles and played for Gilas Pilipinas Youth in the 2022 FIBA Under-16 and Under-18 Asian Championships.
SHS-Ateneo teammate Raffy Celis (no. 21) joins the 5-foot-9 point guard in the final rankings, while the UAAP and NCAA count 13 and nine players, respectively, on the list.
LSGH forward Luis Pablo stands second, followed by Letran guard Andy Gemao (4) then another Greenie big in Seven Gagate (5). NSNU playmaker Rein Jumamoy is the highest-rated UAAP player at third.
Pablo, Jumamoy, and Gemao will join forces for Team Hustle in the 2023 Under Armour-All-Star Game on March 19 at the Mall of Asia Arena. They’ll be mentored by Cholo Villanueva and backstopped by Kristian Porter (6/Ateneo), Peter Rosillo (9/Adamson), Amiel Acido (11/Perpetual), Janrey Pasaol (13/FEU-D), Kobe Demisana (14/UPIS), SJ Moore (15/Arellano), Kieffer Alas (18/DLSZ), Andrei Dungo (20/San Beda), and Celis.
