More than a year after his good friend made the move, Seven Gagate has decided to come home as well.
The 6-foot-8 big man has left the University of the Philippines to transfer to De La Salle University. He will reunite with his La Salle Green Hills teammate Luis Pablo, who joined the Green Archers last Sunday.
For the 21-year-old Greenie, the decision to transfer was not easy, but it was necessary.
“I wish to respectfully announce that I will be going back to La Salle to play out my remaining UAAP men’s basketball eligibility,” Gagate expressed. “I also wish to thank UP for welcoming me from La Salle Green Hills and giving me the opportunity to break into the senior ranks with Coach Goldwin (Monteverde) and my Fighting Maroon teammates.
“My reasons for my transfer are firstly, to continue my academic pursuits in business which La Salle is known for and secondly, to reunite with my La Salle family which I’ve missed. I appreciate the kindness of UP and wish the team more success.”
The UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development and the Fighting Maroons have confirmed Gagate’s departure.
(C) Nowhere To Go But UP
“Coming from a stellar senior year in high school, Seven was one of our top recruits coming into UAAP Season 86. We know he’ll achieve more and we only wish him all the best for what’s next in his young career,” said UP OASD director Bo Perasol.
“We are truly grateful for the two years Seven wore maroon with pride. The team wishes him success as he takes on his next journey.”
After NCAA Season 98, Gagate, Pablo, and Josh Coronel all committed to UP for their collegiate careers. Gagate saw limited action in his rookie season, logging just 20 minutes across eight games. He then missed the entire UAAP Season 87 due to a fractured hand.
Gagate returned during the 2025 Filoil Preseason Cup, where he played eight games and averaged 3.6 points and 1.9 rebounds per contest. Now, he gets a fresh start with La Salle.
“Bringing in Archers from the La Salle system has always been part of our program, and Seven is one of them,” said head coach Topex Robinson.
“We are thankful to him trusting us, and we will make sure that he becomes a better version of himself after his stay here.”
Gagate will sit out one year before becoming eligible for UAAP Season 89. He still has two playing years left.
“As I am now with the Green Archers, I commit myself to playing beyond 100% and preparing for my future by earning a La Salle diploma,” Gagate said.
“I’ve spoken with Coach Topex and I’m excited to grow as an athlete under his program and as a Christian gentleman in the Lasallian way.”
