When asked about what University of Santo Tomas is lacking in the ongoing UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Growling Tigers head coach Jinino Manansala only cited one thing.
Height.
“Actually kulang talaga namin dito big man eh,” said Manansala as they lost both Soulemane Chabi Yo and Adama Faye during the extended off-season. “Nakita niyo, lagi kaming outrebounded. Sila Josh [Fontanilla] at Paul [Manalang] nakikipag-labanan kaso di talaga maka-kuha.
“Kailangan lang namin makakuha ng kahit isa lang na 6-foot-7 [na big man].”
Manansala would later allude to a player who he is working to secure the commitment of.
According to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation, the player who Manansala is referring to is Filipino-American Gani Stevens.
Stevens is a 6-foot-7 prospect who is set to graduate from North Community High School.
The young native of Minnesota is not just a basketball player but also a football player.
According to a scout who requested anonymity, Stevens may not be athletic but he makes up for it with his effort and heft. Stevens weighs 260 pounds.
“Hinihintay ko sa [April] 28, sa 28 mag de-decide yung bata,” said Manansala, also revealing that Stevens has also visited UST a few weeks ago.
However, it’s not just UST that wants to secure the commitment of Stevens.
Stevens is also being pursued by De La Salle University and San Beda.
A source though added that Stevens prefers to go to a UAAP school.
One thing going for UST though is that Stevens’ preferred course is something that is only being offered in Espana and not in Taft. Stevens has a 3.8 GPA.
“Inikot ko po siya natuwa naman yung pamilya, pero we’ll see. Praying na mapunta po sa UST.”
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