San Beda University will not be left behind.
The Red Lions have secured two transfers in the past month, getting the commitments of former University of Santo Tomas guard Richi Calimag and ex-Far Eastern University big man Joe Celzo.
Just like his brother RC, Richi is set for a homecoming as he attended grade school in San Beda-Taytay.
For RC, playing alongside Richi is a dream come true.
“Dream come true, to be honest. We’ve been talking bout that since we were young eh and ngayon we have the chance na gawin yun,” said RC, who was with University of the Philippines last season.
“I mean super sarap sa feeling na makakasama ko in battle yung kapatid ko kasi alam ko na di namin papabayaan isa’t-isa.”
Richi is a 6-foot-3 guard and averaged 3.46 points and 2.92 rebounds in his sole year with the Growling Tigers.
“Richi has tremendous potential being a tall wing player. He is skilled and athletic too,” said Red Lions team manager Jude Roque.
Meanwhile, Celzo is a 6-foot-5 banger who played in 11 games for the Tamaraws last season.
The 22-year-old product of the Tamaraws program is grateful to find a new home in Mendiola.
“Super happy po kasi sobrang welcome po ako dito sa San Beda, from the coaching staff to my teammates, and to the management po,” expressed Celzo.
“Sobrang laki pong opporunity sa akin kasi San Beda to — marami rin na produce na pro players ang San Beda pati na championships. Also magkaka enough minutes po ako dito and yung mga na experience ko sa UAAP ay madadala ko rito.”
“Joe is a great addition to our team, especially since Damie [Cuntapay] and Cliff [Jopia] will be playing their last NCAA season this year. Joe is a great post defender and rebounder, who can help us next year for sure,” said Roque.
The Calimag bros and Celzo will have to sit out one year before being eligible for NCAA Season 100. Celzo will have two playing years left while Richi will still have four years on his ledger.
“These guys are big additions to our team. They are high-character guys that know what it takes to win and compete,” said Red Lions head coach Yuri Escueta.
