Jireh Tumaneng (second from left) with Adamson athletic director Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM, Soaring Falcons head coach Nash Racela, assistant coaches Romel Adducul and Gilbert Lao, and Pinoy Mavs NZ coach Manu Hoque. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Adamson has joined the men’s basketball recruitment wars ahead of the new season of the UAAP.
The Soaring Falcons have locked in the commitments of Filipino-Kiwi big man Jireh Tumaneng.
Tumaneng, a 6-foot-8 big man, will be of big help in Adamson’s front court once it loses out on the services of foreign student athlete Lenda Douanga.
“Adamson is blessed to get the commitment of Jireh. We know how capable he is and we’re excited to develop him to become a more well-rounded big man here in Adamson,” said coach Nash Racela.
Tumaneng was a revelation for Pinoy Mavs-New Zealand in the recently concluded 2023 Smart-NBTC National Finals.
The 16-year-old posted averages of 13.7 points, 12.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in the tourney.
Tumaneng, a product of Westlake Boys’ High School in Auckland, can still play two more seasons for the Baby Falcons before making the jump to the senior’s division.