Big man Gani Stevens joins UP roster

University of the Philippines continued its recruitment haul as it added former University of the East big man Gani Stevens to boost its already loaded roster for the UAAP competitions.

The 6-foot-7 Stevens is tipped to banner the UP frontline after UAAP MVP Malick Diouf plays out his final year in Season 86.

The UP frontline already features Diouf as well as newcomers in 6-foot-5 Francis Lopez, 6-foot-8 Seven Gagate, 6-foot-7 Luis Pablo, and 6-foot-9 Sean Alter, as well as 6-foot-5 LA Andres, 6-foot-4 Aldous Torculas, and 6-foot-5 Mark Belmonte.

Stevens posted averages of 9.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists as a starter in his lone season for the Red Warriors.

"We already love what we have right now with sina Francis, Seven, and Luis," said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

"Adding another young, hardworking center in Gani will certainly give us more versatility in our frontcourt as we continue to build our program in the seasons to come."

UP basketball program director Bo Perasol said their relentless recruitment will allow the school to have continuity in the program and remain in contention.

"Nagiging bihira na lang ang players na tinatapos ang five years sa college ngayon e, so we want to be prepared whenever one of our players plays well tapos gets offers sa international o sa pro," Perasol said.

"We're happy and proud sa nangyari kay Carl, siyempre. At the same time, we have to be secured din sa programa natin."

("It's become rare that players finish out five years in college, so we want to be prepared whenever one of our players plays well and gets offers from international or the pro leagues... We're happy and proud with what Carl did, of course. At the same time, we have to be secure in our program.")

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News