On Sunday, Gani Stevens started a new chapter in his budding basketball career, donning University of the Philippines’ colors for the first time.
After University of the East’s UAAP Season 85 campaign ended last November, the 19-year-old big man out of Minnesota returned home to ponder if he would still stay in Recto or transfer to another school.
It took six months for Stevens to finally make his decision. And it led him to Diliman.
For Stevens, going to UP just felt right.
“Really, when I was looking for a school to transfer to, I wanted to go to a place that felt like a home – a school that felt like a family and has a good support system – somewhere, I can be comfortable in. And UP felt like that,” he said after UP’s 94-72 romp of Emilio Aguinaldo College in the 2023 Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup at Enderun Colleges on Sunday.
“And also as a school, the alumni and the fanbase is something that I want to be a part of. That was the allure for me to go to UP.”
Still, Stevens remains grateful to UE.
Stevens was originally a UST recruit. However, after just a few weeks, he bolted out of España due to a “situation that was not rectified.”
UE then gave Stevens a home.
In his sole year with the Red Warriors, Stevens put up numbers of 9.36 points and 6.29 rebounds in 14 games played.
However, those numbers do not put justice to his second-round norms.
During the last seven games of UE, he averaged 14.5 points and 7.3 rebounds.
It was that final stretch that gave Stevens confidence.
“It was a big learning experience because I played a lot. I had a lot of ups and downs, but the second round I had, I think I was playing like myself during that time,” said Stevens.
“I’m really grateful to UE.”
Now, Stevens will sit out one year before returning to the UAAP in Season 87.
And during his residency year, he plans to add a few things to his already potent arsenal.
“I’m super excited to play for UP. The fans, even for this game, were super crazy. Doing my residency, I’ll work on my shooting, especially my free throws, and just expand my game,” said Stevens, who only shot 11-of-36 from the free throw line last season and did not attempt a single triple.
“Super grateful to UP for accepting me and I’m ready to prove myself.”
