Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
NCAA Season 93 Juniors Most Valuable Player Will Gozum is set for a homecoming.
The former Mapua Red Robin returns to Diliman as he has committed to play for University of the Philippines.
Gozum partners with Nigerian center Bright Akhuetie up front UAAP Season 81 as he joins a Fighting Maroons squad that boasts of potential with team captain Paul Desiderio and returnees Jun Manzo, Javi Gomez de Liaño, and UAAP Season 80 Rookie of the Year Juan Gomez de Liaño leading the way.
Transferring from UPIS to Mapua, the 6-foot-6 Gozum made a name for himself in the NCAA, averaging 13.2 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in his senior year with the Red Robins.
His stellar showing also earned him an invite to Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes’ “23-for-23” cadet list in preparation for the 2023 Fiba World Cup.
For now, Gozum will reunite with the Gomez de Liaño brothers, his former teammates in the Junior Maroons, this time under the guidance of coach Bo Perasol.
UP is coming off a fifth place finish this past UAAP Season 80 with its 6-8 record.