Ateneo secures commitment of SHS-Ateneo de Cebu's Raffy Celis and Michael Asoro

Ateneo de Manila University officially announced the commitment of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu's Raffy Celis and Michael Asoro to the Blue Eagles program.

The Katipunan-based squad made the announcement in Cebu on Monday along with representatives from the Magis Eagles.

The two players will be eligible to play in UAAP Season 86.

Celis, who averaged 17.3 points and 10 rebounds in the NBTC National Finals, said that apart from the basketball program and being under head coach Tab Baldwin, he chose to play for Ateneo because of life lessons he will eventually learn.

"We are happy and excited and we can't wait to start our journey in college," he said.

Asoro echoed Celis and described Ateneo as a good school. "It's a great opportunity for me na makalaro sa Ateneo," he said.

("It's a great opportunity for me to play for Ateneo.")

Baldwin said he is proud that Celis and Asoro will join the Blue Eagles program and described the two as two-way players who are also tough on the court.

"We're very proud that they will be a part of our program and they will contribute to the character of our program which is paramount to what we try to achieve in Manila and the Ateneo community," said Baldwin.

Their teammate, Jared Bahay, recently committed to the University of the Philippines and will be eligible to play come Season 87.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News