CEU star Franz Diaz set for move to UST

Franz Diaz is moving to UST. PBA Images (file photo)

By Stewart Tan

MANILA—Alfredo “Pido” Jarencio has just made his first recruitment move in his return as the head coach of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.

Dugout Philippines learned from a source that Jarencio and the Growling Tigers have secured the commitment of Centro Escolar University Scorpions point guard Franz Diaz.

“Franz has committed to transfer to UST and has already said his goodbye to the CEU,” the source said on condition of anonymity on Sunday night.

The Iloilo City-native was a former standout of Ateneo de Iloilo before being recruited to continue his high school career with Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu and De La Salle Santiago Zobel.

Diaz was part of the CEU Scorpions team under then head coach Derrick Pumaren that finished runner-up to the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the 2019 PBA D-League Finals.

The Ilonggo guard was also part of the CEU team that swept the recent UCBL tournament under resigned head coach Chico Manabat just last month.

“He was one of the best players that I handled so I am glad that he is making waves in Manila,” said Ateneo de Iloilo head coach Jophil Cercado. “It was his dream to play in UAAP so I am thankful that UST noticed his talents.”

The 5-foot-9 Diaz, who has already finished his undergraduate studies at CEU, can immediately suit up for the Growling Tigers in UAAP Season 86 as a graduate school student. He will have two years of UAAP eligibility.

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