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| Jared Bahay has seemingly de-committed from UP. NBTC (file photo) |
MANILA—The University of the Philippines seemingly confirmed on Friday that Jared Bahay has de-committed from the Fighting Maroons.
Bo Perasol, UP's athletic director, said that the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo De Cebu star suddenly had a "change of heart" which was influenced by "outside forces."
"Not all things go according to plan. Although we have remained in our commitment to Jared, outside forces have intervened for him to have a change of heart," Perasol said in a statement.
Despite the change in commitment, Perasol said that the Fighting Maroons are respecting Bahay's decision.
"It is with a heavy heart that we respect his decision. A man should be at liberty to choose his own destiny," the former UP head coach added.
Eligible for UAAP Season 87 right after he finishes his high school studies, Bahay, the number one juniors' basketball player right now, was groomed to be the Fighting Maroons' next main point guard, especially once JD Cagulangan, Gerry Abadiano, and Terrence Fortea graduate from UP, all the more when Bahay announced his commitment to the school just last March.
"In the last two years, the UP MBT and Jared Bahay have developed a special relationship. We envisioned a common future with Jared handling the reins of a championship-caliber team. We believed in his immense talent and capacity to lead," Perasol continued.
However, Perasol virtually confirmed that "J-House" changed his Metro Manila address.
"The 'J-House' has a new home. We hope the 'J-House' will always be home, wherever that be," Perasol's statement concluded.
Last year was a fruitful one for Bahay and the rest of the Magis Eagles, ruling the Palarong Pambansa secondary boys' basketball competition and the CESAFI high school basketball event.
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