Ateneo Blue Eagles’ Gab Lopez. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo lost another key cog before the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
Blue Eagle guard Gab Gomez announced on Monday via Instagram that he is officially bidding the Katipunan side goodbye after three seasons.
“As I’m writing this message, I find myself with bittersweet emotions. It hurts to let you know that my journey as a Blue Eagle ends and I will be moving forward with my basketball journey,” wrote Gomez.
READ: UAAP: Gab Gomez provides spark in crucial Ateneo win
“Though my time in Ateneo did not end like how I expected, I still see it as a blessing that I was a part of something special. It was still a dream come true.”
The Italy-born gunner barely saw action for the Blue Eagles in Season 86 due to a wrist injury.
Due to limited opportunities brought about by his damaged hand, Gomez only posted norms of 2.5 points per game in just 10 games for Ateneo.
READ: UAAP: Tab Baldwin hopes Final Four exit ‘lights fire’ under Ateneo
In three UAAP runs with Ateneo, Gomez helped the squad win one title in Season 85 when they trounced University of the Philippines in three games.
In his note, Gomez thanked the coaching staff and coach Tab Baldwin for recruiting him “during the hardest period of his life.”
“I want to thank Coach Tab and Boss Q for seeing something in me, recruiting me during the hardest period of my life gave me hope. Coach Tab, it was an honor to be able to learn the game of basketball from you. But most importantly, thank you for being a father figure, you have no idea how much you saved me.”
Baldwin, meanwhile, returned the compliments.
“You are a special young man. Coaching you and learning to be your friend and mentor is something very special to me! God bless and I’ll be watching you continue to climb, my brother!”