Strong Group has announced that College of Saint Benilde has secured the commitment of two key transferees: Ateneo’s Raffy Celis and University of Santo Tomas’ SJ Moore.
Celis, a 6-foot-3 wingman, played in six games during the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament for the Blue Eagles.
Meanwhile, Moore, an athletic 6-foot-2 guard, appeared in 11 games for the Growling Tigers.
Tiu has had his eye on Celis for years, dating back to his high school days at Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“I tried to recruit him before he went to Ateneo. We went to Cebu with Boss Frank and Jacob Lao to visit him. In fact, we already had an agreement in place, but at the last second, Ateneo gave a much better offer, and he decided to go there,” said Tiu.
He went on, “Somehow things fell into place, and he will end up playing for us after all. He’s a really good player, and after playing and training under Coach Tab (Baldwin) for the last year, I’m sure he’s gotten even better now.”
Meanwhile, Tiu is also eager to nurture the growth of Moore, whose talent caught his attention during the player’s stints in the NBTC and the NCAA juniors ranks.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Like Raffy, he really caught my eye playing in the NBTC and even in the high school ranks of the NCAA. I also tried to recruit him, but I know UST gave him a really good deal,” Tiu explained.
“Somehow, he wanted to transfer and move to us, so we will gladly welcome him. I had spoken to Coach Pido (Jarencio) and have his blessing about SJ anyways.”
Both Celis and Moore will sit out one year due to transfer rules and will be eligible to play for St. Benilde in NCAA Season 101.
