Jack Santiago’s trip to Canada has bore fruit.
University of the East has gained the commitment of three Filipino-Canadians in brothers Hunter and Jack Cruz-Dumont and Devin Fikes.
“We have secured the commitment of the Cruz-Dumont brothers, who are 6’2″ and 6’5″, respectively. Additionally, we have also received the commitment of Devin Fikes, who is also 6’5″,” said Santiago.
“I am delighted with this news because I have been working hard to acquire these players. Even before they committed, I have been saying that they will be the ones to complete the pieces for UE.”
Both Hunter and Jack are products of Vancouver College High School.
Hunter went on to play for NCAA Division II school Simon Frazer, staying there for three years but playing for just one year, while Jack went on to play for University of British Columbia.
Jack already obtained his undergraduate degree and will be eligible for two years starting UAAP Season 86.
Meanwhile, Hunter has to sit out one year before being eligible for Season 87.
The two are sons of late Pasig Pirates player John Dumont.
“Jack is an excellent offensive player as he is both a shooter and a slasher while Hunter is a versatile player,” Santiago remarked about the brothers.
Fikes, on the other hand, is a fresh graduate out of Scarborough Prep.
He played for Mike Cruz’s Toronto in the SMART-NBTC National Finals, averaging 12.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in three games played.
“Devin is a two-way player and mostly plays small forward,” said Santiago. “He is big for his position, especially in the UAAP.”
For its foreign student-athlete slot, UE will field Delveion Jackson.
Jackson, who stands at 6-foot-7, is an elite FSA as he played for Division I school UC Davis and North Idaho College.
Santiago is hoping to score more recruits this weekend during the showcase event of Fil-Am Nation in Las Vegas.
