Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Fran Yu reveals real reason why he left UE


Fran Yu’s decision to leave University of the East and, later on, move to Colegio de San Juan de Letran has always been told this way: 

After a year with the Red Warriors, the 5-foot-8 floor general was recruited to play and study in Trail International School in Bangkok. He would come back home a year later before leading the Knights to the NCAA Season 95 Seniors Basketball championship.

Though the latter part of his story was true, the real reason why he left UE was never revealed.

During the July 3 episode of The Prospects Pod presented by SMART and supported by Chris Sports, Yu told Kiefer Ravena, Randolph Leongson, and Norman Riego that the now-infamous meme was the reason why he left UE and the country.

“Kasi noong lumabas ‘yung meme na ‘yun, parang nawalan ako ng gana.”

Back on September 19, 2015, a photo of Yu side-by-side with Matt Nieto popped up on social media. One netizen then made this comment, “At saang kanto naman napulot ng UE ang player nilang itez?”

The blue chip recruit out of Chiang Kai Shek felt heartbroken after it trended. And it showed in his next five games, where he totaled just two points during that span.

“Wala naman akong ginagawang masama sa tao na ‘yun.

“Galing ako ng Palarong Pambansa noon eh. Open ‘yung court ng Palarong Pambansa, kaya iitim talaga kaming lahat noon,” recalled Yu, who represented NCR in the games held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

“Saka simula noong bata ako, maitim ako eh. Hindi ko alam kung bakit nila nasabi ‘yun. Naglalaro lang naman ako,” he continued.

#ReadMore  Adamson displays strong mettle by challenging streaking UP

Though he played well in his last three games for UE, Yu had had enough. He needed a change of scenery.

“Sabi ko sa sarili ko, kailangan kong magpalaki ng katawan, i-improve pa ‘yung skills ko para makipagsabayan ako sa mas malalaki sa akin.”

And the rest was history.

Up until today, the wound dealt by that meme is still healing.

“The wounds given by a sword can be healed, but nothing can heal a wound given by words.”

Written By


You May Also Like

AdU

Adamson University has been the ‘never-say-die’ team in UAAP Men’s Basketball since Nash Racela took over the Soaring Falcons in UAAP Season 82. Who...

Basketball

On a Sunday night, Wello Lingolingo once again showcased his status as University of the East’s ‘Clutch Man’ to the entire UAAP landscape. As...

AdU

Wello Lingolingo went wild on a Sunday night, delivering a game-winning moment that secured University of the East’s thrilling 63-62 victory over Adamson University...

Basketball

Precious Momowei did all he could to extend University of the East’s winning streak in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament. This...

Basketball

University of the East faced a major setback in its bid for a fourth straight win against Ateneo de Manila University, with Filipino-American gunner...

ADMU

University of the East continued its surge in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament, coming back from 10 points down in the...

Basketball

As Wello Lingolingo added another significant moment to his time with University of the East, the third-year shooting guard immediately reflected on the people...

Basketball

University of the East relied on the late-game heroics of Wello Lingolingo once more, this time edging out National University in a thrilling 57-51...

Advertisement