Rein Jumamoy. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Rein Jumamoy has committed to staying with National University, joining the school’s collegiate team.
Jumamoy announced he will join the Bulldogs after NU-Nazareth School got dethroned by Far Eastern University-Diliman in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 85 boys’ basketball tournament.
“NU gave me an opportunity so I will continue playing for NU. I trust them that they will guide me to the right path,” said Jumamoy in Filipino.
The 5-foot-11 point guard, who played his first and only season in UAAP boys basketball, will team up with holdovers Jake Figueroa, Kean Baclaan, and Steve Nash Enriquez as well as fellow newcomer LA Casinillo.
NU coach Jeff Napa, who led the Bulldogs to the Final Four last season, is glad to have Jumamoy on their team.
“We are very happy and thankful to Reinhard and his family for choosing to stay in the NU program. This is big for NU because we want to continue being one of the ‘big boys’,” said Napa in Filipino.
Jumamoy is the No. 3-ranked high school player in the National Basketball Training Center. He averaged 18.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 2.8 steals while also totaling three triple-doubles in Season 85.
The 19-year-old Cebuano will play his final tournament with the Bullpups as they are set to see action in the 2023 Smart-NBTC National Finals from March 15 to 19 at Mall of Asia Arena. He will also be part of Team Hustle in the 2023 Under Armour-NBTC All-Star Game on March 19.