UP FIghting Maroons’ latest recruits Luis Pablo, Seven Gagate, and Josh Coronel along with UP coaches. –NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — La Salle Greenhills trio Luis Pablo, Seven Gagate, and Josh Coronel have committed to spend their collegiate careers at University of the Philippines.
A day after the LSGH got swept by Letran in the NCAA Season 98 juniors Finals, the UP men’s basketball team announced that the reigning NCAA juniors MVP Pablo, the 6-foot-8 Gagate, and Coronel will take their talents to Diliman and play in the UAAP.
“Their accomplishments on the court are well documented, but what has really impressed us is their character and maturity,” said UP Basketball program director Bo Perasol in a statement.
“We feel extremely blessed to have Luis, Josh, and Seven on our team.”
The trio has been playing together in high school and even in the Gilas U-18 national team.
The 6-foot-7 Pablo had a dominant NCAA season with an average of 17.64 points, 13.36 rebounds, 1.93 assists, and 1.21 blocks in the tournament. Gagate posted 15.64 points, 12.88 rebounds, and 1.71 blocks, while Coronel sat out due to an ACL injury.
UP coach Goldwin Monteverde is elated to have the three incoming rookies, believing they “have the potential to contribute to the team’s efforts to remain competitive next season.”
“It all boils down to hard work. If all of our rookies take their cue from the veterans and work hard, our team will do well,” he said.
The Fighting Maroons are coming off a stellar 2022 as they ended a 36-year title drought after JD Cagulangan’s historic three-pointer in Game 3 of the Season 84 Finals against the Ateneo Blue Eagles before losing the following season in another rubber match.
UP lost Carl Tamayo after he decided to turn pro in Japan B.League but it also secured the commitment of LeBron Lopez last January.
“We want to sustain the progress we have made and establish a culture of excellence focused not just on the success of the team, but the development and growth of our players,” UPMBT Team Manager Atty. Agaton Uvero said.