For the seventh time in eight seasons, the NCAA Juniors Basketball Most Valuable Player is making the leap to the UAAP.
Sean Franco, a product of Arellano University and the top player in NCAA Season 101, is committing to the University of the Philippines in Diliman.
He joins the ranks of former NCAA MVPs who moved to the country’s premier league, including LSGH’s Troy Mallillin (Ateneo), Malayan’s Will Gozum (UP), LSGH’s JD Cagulangan (DLSU & UP), LSGH’s Luis Pablo (UP & DLSU), Perpetual’s Amiel Acido (UST), and Perpetual’s Lebron Jhames Daep (DLSU).
“Pinili ko ang UP dahil gusto kong mag-grow bilang isang player, at ito rin ang dream school ko. Sobrang excited ako sa bagong environment at culture, pati na rin sa mga bagong teammates na makakasama ko,” said the 19-year-old all-around forward.
“Excited ako sa journey na ito at sa mga opportunities kasama ang bagong team.”
Last season, Franco, a 6-foot-2 forward from Cagayan de Oro, averaged 16.84 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.68 assists, 1.89 steals, and 1.79 blocks per game to win not just MVP honors but also the Defensive Player of the Year award.
“Makakatulong agad sa’tin si Sean kasi nakita naman natin how he led yung Arellano in his last year,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde.
“Kahit natalo sila sa Finals, he didn’t stop working.”
Franco expressed his gratitude for his years with the Braves program: “Una sa lahat, gusto kong magpasalamat kay God sa talent at sa mga blessings na dumating sa akin, at sa paggabay Niya sa akin araw-araw. Sa pamilya ko na laging nandiyan para sa akin sa kabila ng aking mga ups and downs, maraming salamat sa walang sawang suporta at pagmamahal.”
“I am truly grateful to all the coaching staff. I’ve spent three years with you, and throughout that time, you have taught and guided me to make the right choices both on and off the court. Thank you for believing in me, for your patience, and for your unwavering support,” he added.
Franco now joins a suddenly young UP core that also includes Migs Palanca.
Also set to debut for UP next season are Veejay Pre, James Payosing, Rainer Maga, and Russel Ogana.
Expected to captain the Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 89 is Jacob Bayla.
“Para sa akin, ang gusto kong dalhin sa UP ay ang aking willingness to learn. Bilang rookie, alam kong marami pa akong kailangang i-improve, kaya nais kong makatulong sa team in any way I can. Sa long run, represent ko ang UP with pride, discipline, at consistency—on and off the court,” said Franco.
