UPIS star Kobe Demisana goes to ‘dream school’ Ateneo
Kobe Demisana is Ateneo’s latest recruit. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines Integrated School star Kobe Demisana has committed to defending champion Ateneo ahead of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament late this year.
The Blue Eagles on Friday announced that they secured the commitment of the 6-foot-8 big man, who is graduating from the UPIS.
The Gilas Pilipinas youth member, who played in the Fiba Under-18 Asian Championship in August last year, said he wanted to study in his dream school, Ateneo.
“Growing up, Ateneo is one of my dream schools,” said Demisana in Filipino. “But it was during my Gilas (Youth stint) that made me realize that I really wanted to go to Ateneo. During that time at Moro (Lorenzo Gym), I saw that I can easily bond with them.
The 18-year-old forward from Pontevedra, Negros Occidental believes Ateneo will help him grow as a student-athlete
“The main reason I chose Ateneo is that I know I can grow more as a player and as a student here,” he said. “We all know that Ateneo is one of the top universities in the Philippines and I will learn a lot here not only on-court but also about life after basketball.”
Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin. UAAP PHOTO
The UAAP Season 85 boys basketball team mythical member will be eligible for Season 86 as he joins coach Tab Baldwin’s recruitment coup led by Gilas Youth standouts Mason Amos and Kyle Gamber as well as Raffy Celis and Michael Asoro from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu.
“I am so excited to be under Coach Tab, primarily because of his experience and career. I know there is still so much for me to learn, and I am confident that Coach Tab will give his best to teach me. I want to absorb all the knowledge and skills that Coach Tab can impart because he knows what is best for every player,” he said.
Demisana, who transferred from Bacolod Tay Tung High School to UPIS three years ago, had a solid lone season with the Fighting Maroons, averaging 17.64 points, 12.64 rebounds, 4.07 blocks, 2.64 assists, and 2.14 steals and fourth in the Statistical Points race with 83.643.
“I am so blessed and grateful for this opportunity to be an Atenean, even if I was only a one-and-done player in UAAP Jr. Not everyone can choose or receive this type of opportunity, but I believe it is God’s plan for me, and I trust that more opportunities are coming. So, I thank God for this,” Demisana said, thanking UPIS for giving him an opportunity to play.
“They are good people. They took care of me and guided me,” he added of his high school teammates and coaches.
