THE University of the Fighting Maroons have found another big man who can fill up a big hole in their depleted roster.
This is what is expected of 6’7” Filipino-American Gani Stevens, a transferee from the University of the East.
Stevens is expected to do a lot of things for his new team after Fighting Maroons’ coach Goldwin Monteverde confirmed the team’s latest addition to the squad.
“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,” said Monteverde.
The Fighting Maroons are in a rebuilding mode following the departures of nine mainstays, which include Carl Tamayo, Zavier Lucero, and James Spencer.
They now boast of a towering roster which will support the efforts of graduating Malick Diouf under the boards.
Diouf won’t be around in Season 87 and they will most likely rely on Stevens by then.
Stevens normed averages of 9.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists as a starter in his lone season for the University of the East Red Warriors.
UP’s tall roster has the likes of 6’5” Francis Lopez, 6’8” Seven Gagate, 6’7” Luis Pablo, 6’5” LA Andres and 6’9” Sean Alter, as well as 6’4” Aldous Torculas and 6’5” Mark Belmonte.
State U basketball program director Bo Perasol said their present lineup will ensure continuity in their system in the next four years.
“Nagiging bihira na lang ang players na tinatapos ang five years sa college ngayon, so we want to be prepared whenever one of our players plays well, tapos gets offers sa international or sa pro,” said Perasol.
