After two seasons, RC Calimag has decided to move out of University of the Philippines.
The 6-foot-1 second generation guard has committed to transfer to San Beda University on Sunday.
He made his commitment to head coach Yuri Escueta and team manager Jude Roque in a restaurant in Quezon City.
It’s a homecoming for Calimag as he was part of the Red Cubs before while his dad Ricky is a former Red Lion as well.
“Yung pagalis ko sa UP, it’s nothing personal. It’s part of my growth as a player,” he said. “Alam naman natin na sobrang loaded ng UP in every position pero kailangan ko rin hanapin yung self ko as a player. Gusto mo rin magblossom as a player.
“San Beda, galing ako diyan e, I played there from Grade Six to Grade Ten. Home is where the heart is. Mas na-feel ko na dun ako mag-shine and blossom as a player.
“Coach Yuri also assured me that he will maximize yung kaya ko ibigay. I just want to play,” he added.
Having Calimag is a boost to the San Beda program, according to Escueta.
“Having a talent like RC would be a boost to our program. RC is coming from a winning program like UP and what I’m hearing about him is his dedication to his craft and great attitude. He would be a big part of what we are trying to build in San Beda,” said Escueta.
Calimag, 21, is a standout from La Salle Green Hills.
In two years he spent with the Fighting Maroons, he played a total of 100 minutes and 47 seconds.
In 19 games played, he totaled 34 points. Calimag tallied his career-high of 10 points back on April 28, 2022 against University of Santo Tomas.
“Unang tinawagan ko is Coach Gold [Monteverde] and Coach Bo [Perasol]. We wanted na magpaalam sa kanya and maayos naman yung relationship namin and naintindihan nila yung side ko. When it comes to the UP community, I want to thank them also. There’s a huge part of me that is UP. They welcomed me with open arms. Masakit para sa akin magpaalam sa kanila pero kailangan,” Calimag expressed.
Now with the Red Lions, Calimag has to sit out for one year before being eligible for NCAA Season 100.
He still has three years of eligibility left.
Set to don the red and white, Calimag is excited for the challenges that lie ahead.
“May goosebumps na e just thinking about San Beda. Simula nung bata ako, gusto ko maging Red Lion. Now, I have the chance to play and I’m excited to show what I can bring to the team. Ang maa-assure ko sa kanila is I’ll do my best to bring back the winning tradition,” he said.
“Alam ko hindi magpapatalo yung young guys namin. Nakakalaban ko rin sila nung high school, sila Justine (Sanchez), (Tony) Ynot, and si Jacob (Cortez). Siguro madadala ko rin sa kanila yung championship experience I got from UP.”
