From Pirate to Chief — Joseph Gabayni will have one more chance
Former NCAA Defensive Player of the Year Joseph Gabayni is set to transfer from the Lyceum of the Philippines University to the Arellano University according to multiple sources — including former head coach Topex Robinson.
“I’m really happy for Joseph because I know he will learn a lot from coach Jerry [Codinera],” Robinson told Tiebreaker Times.
Last October 6, the 6-foot-6 bruiser bid farewell to Lyceum. In an Instagram post, he expressed his deepest gratitude to the school, saying:
“First of all I want to thank God for all the opportunities given to me. I want to say thank you to LPU for giving me a chance to show my talent.”
Back in the 90th season of the NCAA, the former University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cub was crowned the league’s Defensive Player of the Year and was part of the All-Star team, posting norms of 12.6 points and 11.5 rebounds.
In his third year, however, Gabayni figured in a motorcycle accident during the off-season — missing the majority of the first round back in the 92nd season of the NCAA. He played just 10 games during Lyceum’s campaign and averaged just 2.9 points and 3.2 rebounds.
Gabayni finished his stint with Lyceum averaging 10.02 points and 8.53 rebounds in 41 games played.
The two-time NCAA All-Star is set to enroll this June, according to the same source.
The 23-year-old will only have a year to play for the Arellano Chiefs, though. After serving residency for one full year, he will suit-up for the Chiefs during their Season 94 campaign. By then, he will be 25 years old on September of 2019.
