Ateneo signs all around guard Paul Garcia from Salisbury University to try to fill the spots that SJ Belangel, Gian Mamuyac and Tyler Tio left.
Ateneo de Manila University looks to complete missing pawns as another recruit has landed in Katipunan to head its redemption campaign in UAAP Season 85 by signing Paul Garcia from Salisbury University.
The announcement was made on Wednesday during a press briefing with Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin, team manager Epok Quimpo and assistant coach Dean Castano.
“We’re really happy to announce that Paul Garcia is committed to coming to Ateneo to be a Blue Eagle,” said coach Baldwin.
Recruiting a guard is a no-brainer for the Blue Eagles as they try to make up for the loss of their talented guard in SJ Belangel who has decided to forego his final playing year and signed to play in the Korean Basketball League.
Ateneo also lost two guards to the PBA as Gian Mamuyac and Tyler Tio are now playing in the pro league.
"This is a significant signing for us in light of what happened last year with our graduation and the unexpected exodus of SJ Belangel," Baldwin claimed.
"We're left a little short in the PG position. We have a lot of confidence in Forthsky [Padrigao] but it's a big load to carry for a sophomore and a guy expected to apprentice for another year under SJ," he added.
Come Season 85, the 5-foot-11 guard is already eligible to play and will have two more years under Ateneo after playing three seasons in the US.
“I’m excited. It feels like a dream come true, really. I’ve always wanted, growing up, to go back home to the Philippines. I’ve always told my friends that it’s something I want to do, so it’s definitely a dream come true,” said Garcia.
“I can’t wait to get started and fulfill all the expectations and surpass them, really, so I’m excited.”
Tags: #UAAP, #Ateneo, #basketball