Lopez leaves Ateneo, opts to join Maroons

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HIGHLY touted wingman Francis “LeBron” Lopez has chosen to transfer to the other side of Katipunan.

The 6-foot-5 Lopez, currently a Grade 12 student at Ateneo High School, said he has opted to suit up for University of the Philippines in the next UAAP cage wars.

“After spending quality time with family and close friends during the holidays, it has given me the opportunity to seriously take stock of my life as well as the options available for my future, both for my education, and basketball career,” Lopez said in a statement last Saturday.

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“As everyone knows, I played basketball in La Salle and Ateneo during my junior years which was severely affected by the pandemic. I will always be grateful to both schools for honing my early years. My basketball path has been unpredictable for the past two years as I finish my high school education.

“Life has thrown curveballs and a few distractions that have made me a stronger and better person. After a series of heart-to-heart discussions with my family and mentors, I have decided to join UP for my college education and basketball career,” he added.

Lopez’s announcement incidentally happened on the same night when the Blue Eagles celebrated their title win with a traditional bonfire party.

After seeing action for the Tab Baldwin-mentored Gilas Pilipinas five in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in 2021, Lopez signed a $100,000 deal with Overtime Elite, a pro league for young prospects in the United States.

But he was not able to fly to Atlanta, Georgia, and join the league due after he failed to get a US visa.

Carl Tamayo, a former Fighting Maroon and Lopez’s Gilas teammate, also had a big hand in Lopez’s decision.

“UP is a great institution with a very good basketball program and management group. I know deep in my heart that the UP No Where to Go But UP Foundation will take care of me as a student and as an athlete,” he said.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank my Gilas Pilipinas teammate Carl Tamayo for the guidance and great stories that made me realize and want me to pursue my college education in UP.”

UP lost to Ateneo in three grueling games in the finals of the last cage wars.

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