UP is also ramping up its recruiting efforts after snagging a blue-chip recruit to add to its already stacked roster for UAAP Season 86.
This after the Fighting Maroons were able to get the commitment of an 18-year-old Fil-Am transferee in Lowell Briones Jr. The 6-foot-6 combo guard will have to serve a one-year residency in Season 85 before being eligible to see action in Season 86.
He is also the son of former PBA player Lowell Briones. Hailing from Cebu, he started out his basketball career with Sacred Heart School-Ateneo De Cebu.
The second-generation cager eventually moved to the States and suited up for Sierra Vista High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Briones already spent his freshman year playing for Division III school Carroll College where he averaged 2.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in 11.1 minutes through 20 games played.
“For me, it’s such a great honor and privilege UP picked me and UP is such a great program both in basketball and academics,” Briones said.
“UP has a great environment which I think is important.”
UP Men’s Basketball Program Director Bo Perasol stressed that the recruitment of Briones has been a long process but was relieved to secure his commitment after a long wait.
“This has been almost four years in the making,” claimed Perasol.
“He started practicing with us in Las Vegas and after that, we had at least two more meetings with him and his parents so it’s such a joy to finally culminate this and what a way to start his playing career in the Philippines than to be with the UP Fighting Maroons.”
UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde pointed out that the background of Briones will help him adjust to the style of play here in the Philippines as he tries to contribute to the Fighting Maroons’ title hopes in the years to come.
“He could create some mismatches for us and [he’s] a very good shooter plus sabi nga niya malaking bagay na dito siya nag-start matuto ng basketball,” the multi-titled high school mentor said.
“He’s not going to be surprised kung ano ang kind of physicality or pace that we play here in the Philippines.”
Starting in Season 86, Briones will have four years to play in the UAAP. He is also eligible to be called up by the Gilas Pilipinas program.
