Jared Bahay to call UP his home for UAAP Season 87

JD Cagulangan has formally passed the torch to Jared Bahay even if the changing of the guards will happen next year.

By Ivan Saldajeno

STA. ROSA, Laguna—Jared Bahay has found his next home.

The high school basketball standout from Cebu City has formally committed to the University of the Philippines.

Bahay, the number-one high school player in the country according to the National Basketball Training Center, said that he already made the commitment because he wants to quickly learn coach Goldwin Monteverde's system.

"I made an early decision to commit because I already want to know the system that coach Gold runs so it will be easier for me to transition when I come in. UP presented a clearer plan that will benefit my future and family," Bahay said on Thursday. "I chose UP because of the good education they will provide and the lovely community they have. I believe they will help hone my skills to my fullest potential."

Bahay led Sacred Heart School-Ateneo De Cebu to the CESAFI title last season even as he wore the national team colors twice last year in the under-16 and the under-18 levels.

Bahay still has one year left in the juniors basketball ranks, which means he can still give the Magis Eagles another CESAFI title before he changes his place of residence to Quezon City.

"Ibibigay ko pa rin po ang lahat ko para sa SHS-Ateneo next season," Bahay said.

The 5-foot-11 point guard can immediately suit up for the Fighting Maroons next year for UAAP Season 87, which would be timely as JD Cagulangan would be graduating after Season 86.

However, Bahay recently trained with the team, giving Monteverde a glimpse of what he will expect from him once he formally jumps to college and what he can work on.

"We're excited to see how Jared can help the team, and, at the same time, how we can help him to continue to improve," Monteverde said.

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