Fil-Am Gani Stevens commits to play for UST
University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers taps Filipino-American big man Gani Stevens, a dual sport athlete playing both football and basketball, from North Community High School in Minnesota, the Varsitarian announced Thursday.
The 6-foot-7 Stevens is set to debut in Season 85 with five years of eligibility in the UAAP to solidify the frontline of the Growling Tigers which was evidently lacking in their campaign this season.
This 17- year old 260-pound bruiser averaged 11.2 points and 7.2 rebounds during the 2020-21 season.
“After giving it much thought and consulting with those close to me, we have come to the conclusion that it is in my best interest that I pursue another school (UST),” the 18-year-old’s letter of gratitude to the other schools that tried to recruit him read.
Stevens and his family arrived at the decision as he wanted to take up Physical Therapy for his tertiary education — a course that is offered by UST.
“As much as I enjoy being a student-athlete, I want to place a major emphasis on the student part,” he continued.
“It’s been my goal to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy and this is only possible by attending one of the other schools.”
UST coach Jinino Manansala admitted that recruiting Stevens was a challenge but he’s nonetheless very grateful to Gani and his family for committing to the team.
“I was surprised when I learned he has committed to UST. Because I thought we got a long shot in recruiting him. I had mixed emotions when his mother called me earlier at 2 pm,” he said.
Manansala then hinted that Stevens is just the first of their many recruits for the rebuilding program of the UST Tigers for the upcoming seasons.
Tags: #UAAP, #UST, #basketball