University of the Philippines has secured the commitment of one of the brightest young prospects in the game today.
Francis Lopez is already in the school’s Diliman campus and has committed to joining the Fighting Maroons.
Lopez confirmed the development to Tiebreaker Times.
According to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation, the 19-year-old athletic winger packed his bags and to stay in UP’s University Hotel on Wednesday night.
There he was welcomed by members of the Fighting Maroons, including Carl Tamayo — a roommate and close friend of his in Gilas.
Finding a home for Lopez has been a long-time coming.
Back in 2021, Lopez signed with Overtime Elite — a pro team for teenage prospects.
However, he was not able to secure a US visa, resulting in him forfeiting his spot. He did not play a single game with OTE.
Over the past two years, the 6-foot-6 winger was a house player for Gilas Pilipinas.
(C) POC-PSC Media Group
Lopez appeared in six FIBA-sanctioned games, averaging 6.2 points and 3.2 rebounds. He was also part of the Southeast Asian Games team that won silver in Vietnam.
He is currently in Grade 12 in high school. Moreover, he had been training with Ateneo last year.
However, all points are leading to his eligibility being questioned for UAAP Season 86.
Now, it is up to UP to hurdle that problem for him.
If he does get to suit up immediately for the Fighting Maroons, Lopez is an apt replacement for either Tamayo or Zavier Lucero.
