ONE of the most sought-after high school standouts in the country is staying in Sampaloc.
Nazareth School of National University star Reinhard Jumamoy has opted to play for National University in the collegiate level.
The 5-foot-11 guard’s decision pleased Bulldogs coach Jeff Napa.
“We are very happy and thankful kay Reinhard and sa family niya for choosing to stay sa NU program,” Napa said. “Malaking bagay iyong ganito para sa NU, kasi ito iyong ipagpapatuloy namin sa kagustuhan naming maging isa sa ‘big boys.’”
Jumamoy, a Cebu native, said it was an easy decision to make. “NU po ang nagbigay ng pagkakataon sa akin, kaya sa NU ko po gusto magpatuloy maglaro,” he said. “Tiwala po ako sa kanilang dadalhin pa rin nila ako sa tama.”
While he and the Bullpups were dethroned by Far Eastern University-Diliman in his first and only season with the team, Jumamoy will try to help NU and the likes of Jake Figueroa, Kean Baclaan, and Steve Nash Enriquez as well as fellow newcomer LA Casinillo reach the Promised Land for the first time since 2014.
Jumamoy is the No. 3-ranked high school player in the Philippines, according to the National Basketball Training Center. He led the Bullpups to a semis finish in the 85th UAAP juniors’ basketball tournament, averaging 18.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 2.8 steals while also notching three triple-doubles.
Before moving up, Jumamoy, 19, will get a last hurrah with NSNU as it is set to see action in the 2023 Smart-NBTC National Finals from March 15 to 19 at Mall of Asia Arena. He will also be part of Team Hustle in the 2023 Under Armour-NBTC All-Star Game on March 19.
