Despite the ongoing UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Chris Gavina continues to make recruitment pitches to prospects who can help University of the East next season.
Gavina is closing in on securing the commitment of 6-foot-8 big man John Paul Mendy.
“It’s been good so far. I’ve seen Mendy a few times throughout the year, and I like his energy and attitude. He just wants an opportunity, and he always brings that mindset of wanting to prove something,” Gavina told Tiebreaker Times after UE’s 111-99 defeat at the hands of University of Santo Tomas on Saturday.
“I like that — I like that mentality from him.”
Mendy has been one of the top foreign student-athletes in the UCAL.
(C) UCAL
During season 7 of the league, Mendy averaged a league-leading 22.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game for University of Batangas.
He also played for United Prep Canada in the Asiabasket International Invitational Tournament, averaging 16.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per contest.
This does not mean, though, that Precious Momowei is leaving UE.
The Red Warriors are just bracing for next season’s new rule that will see rosters have two FSAs — one in the reserve slot — and Momowei’s graduation after Season 89.
“It’s not confirmed yet, but we are looking at several FSAs to bring in to reinforce Precious [Momowei] with the new rule for next year. Hopefully, in the next few days, the confirmation will be made,” said Gavina.
“Obviously, we have to add FSAs to our pool. Precious’s last year is going to be next year, so we need to already look beyond him. We have to make sure we have somebody in line who’s either going to take over or complement him.”
