Just days before the UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball Tournament opens on March 26, rookie Eli Ramos decided to explore his options and leave Ateneo.
The 6-foot-3 winger out of California has left the Ateneo bubble and is looking at other schools.
Eli came to this decision after careful consultation from his family and brother Dwight, who was in the country last week for the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
“I just talked it over with my family and my brother and we all decided to open my options and search for a new opportunity for myself,” Eli told Tiebreaker Times.
Eli committed to Ateneo back in 2019 after graduating from Walnut High School.
He only played in preseason tournaments for the Blue Eagles, including the 2020 PCCL Championship.
Both Eli and Dwight were not able to play for Season 83 due to the ongoing pandemic. Dwight ended up turning pro a year ago, signing with Toyama in the B.League.
Still, Eli has no regrets about the time he spent in Katipunan.
(C) Joji Lapuz/Fabilioh
“No regrets.
“I’ve learned so much from Coach Tab [Baldwin] and the rest of the coaching staff as well. I’m ready to move on and see what is out there for me,” he said. “As far as the game goes, I’ve learned so much about it like reads, better IQ, and just a better understanding of the game.
“Definitely, matured and grew as a person. When I came out of high school, I was just shy and now I have my confidence. I know what I can do now and I’m confident with my abilities,” he continued.
Going pro though is not part of Eli’s plans right now saying, “I’ll still have to play college because I haven’t played a full season yet. Definitely, got to take it one step at a time.”
Dwight also gave Eli a piece of advice for his younger brother’s next journey.
“Dwight told me to keep working hard there’s a lot of bumps in the road and as long as you stay determined you’ll get to where you want to be.”
For his part, Baldwin also gave his blessing to Eli. He said that if he ever wants to return, the door will always be open.
“He was really supportive and he said that the door is never closed in Ateneo and to always consider them. In the meantime, I’m just going to look at my options,” shared Eli.
“But Coach Tab really supports me and he knows that.”
Whether he goes to another UAAP or NCAA school, Eli will have to sit out one full year. If he enrolls by August, he will be eligible to play in either the UAAP Season 86 or NCAA Season 98 tournament.
The 22-year-old will have three years of eligibility left by then.
