University of the Philippines just scored the biggest coup in the recruitment wars for the season.
Nazareth School of National University duo Carl Tamayo and Gerry Abadiano have committed to joining UP.
Tamayo, who stands at 6-foot-7 and is just 19 years old, is the second-ranked high school prospect based on the Chooks-to-Go NBTC Final 24. Meanwhile, Abadiano — also 19 and is a 5-foot-11 guard — is no. 16.
The two will be pillars of the Fighting Maroons’ rebuild, according to Nowhere To Go But UP head Agaton Uvero.
“Carl and Gerry will be a big part of our rebuilding efforts,” Atty. Uvero said in a statement. “Six of our players graduated last season, and we have five more players who have just one playing year left.
“These two talents will help us secure our basketball future. We hope they will be model student-athletes of UP.”
In their final season with the Bullpups, Tamayo posted norms of 12.56 points and 10.38 rebounds. He was also named as the UAAP Season 82 High School Boys’ Basketball Finals MVP.
Abadiano, on the other hand, 11.27 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.33 assists.
The two were pivotal in giving NS-NU back-to-back UAAP crowns.
This comes as a surprise, since their high school head coach Goldwyn Monteverde had just been promoted to coach the Bulldogs a year ago.
“We are very happy to have Carl and Gerry in our team. Coming straight out of high school, they have five full playing years with the team. They will really be a big boost for our young team, which is again in the process of rebuilding,” added Bo Perasol.
Other players who committed to UP recently are Xavier School ace Miguel Tan, Fil-Canadians Alonso Tan and Anton Eusebio, Fil-Australian center Ethan Kirkness, Fil-Am guard Sam Dowd, and Gilas Youth’s RC Calimag.
