UNIVERSITY of the East has lost a promising big man ahead of its campaign in the 86th UAAP basketball tournament later this year.
After just one semester, 6-foot-7 Gani Stevens has opted to leave the Red Warriors.
“This announcement comes with a heavy heart, but I look forward to a future of possibilities and new experiences as I bid farewell to all of you,” Stevens said yesterday.
“This was one of the toughest decisions I had to make as an 18-year-old, but with the support of my family and friends, my time with the UE Red Warriors will come to an end,” he added.
Stevens, 18, was initially set to suit up for University of Santo Tomas but had a change of heart and decided during the summer leagues to transfer to UE.
In his first and only season with the Recto-based five, Stevens averaged 9.36 points, 6.29 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game.
Along with one-and-done Luis Villegas and brothers Kyle and Nikko Paranada, UE wound up with a 5-9 record for sixth in the last cage wars.
According to highly reliable sources, Stevens did not enroll for the second semester, opting to return home to Minnesota to reassess his situation.
“My journey to the Philippines and my basketball experience has had its ups and downs.
One thing that I will take away from our team is resiliency, hard work, dedication, selflessness, and the ability to overcome adversity,” Stevens said.
“My teammates are my brothers, now and forever. I am grateful for their generosity. I have learned tremendously from all of my coaches, to whom I am always indebted.”
Stevens had nothing but gratitude in his stint with the Warriors.
“UE gave me the opportunity to improve my skills and provided me with the tools and knowledge that will help me become a better student-athlete. Know that there will always be a space in my being for what a Red Warrior represents– strong, brave, self-reliant, and proud.
“I will not name all of you, as there were many mentors who impacted my journey here. I kindly ask that you support and cheer me on as I continue my path elsewhere.”
But that does not mean Stevens will be staying in the United States for good.
He hinted he will be coming back to see UE anew– one way or another.
“Once again, thank you for everything that you have shown me,” he said. “This is not a goodbye, but a ‘see you later’ to Pamantasan ng Silangan, on and off the court! Bomba UE!”
