By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons are looking even more dangerous.
After acquiring a ton of talent to replace their departing superstars like Carl Tamayo, Zavier Lucero, and James Spencer, the Fighting Maroons just added another talented center to their already stacked lineup.
UP confirmed Gani Stevens’ arrival last June 6, 2023, a six-foot-seven Filipino-American big man who balled out for the UE Red Warriors last UAAP Season 85.
Stevens is a physical center who likes to dominate inside the shaded lane and is also an effective rebounder during his time with UE.
The leftie center became one of the most reliable two-way players under the Red Warriors’ system and averaged 9.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists last season and is expected to be an integral piece to UP’s young core group.
UP still has Malick Diouf as their main center but is only left with one more eligible playing year before leaving the Fighting Maroons.
With that being said, UP will still have a loaded frontcourt even without Diouf as Stevens will be eyed as their next starting center once he is ready to suit up in the UAAP.
Stevens will still have to serve a one-year residency due to the UAAP rules for students who transferred from one school to another and will be ready to don the maroon jersey in the next three years.
The Fighting Maroons have a bright future ahead after securing the commitment of Benilde’s frontcourt duo of Seven Gagate and Luis Pablo while also landing former Ateneo de Manila University prospect LeBron Lopez several months ago.
Aside from the duo, Chris Hubilla, another NCAA star, will also go to Diliman for his tertiary education and is also a member of the Fighting Maroons.
“Adding another young and hardworking center like Gani will undoubtedly provide us with more versatility in our frontcourt as we continue to develop our program in the upcoming seasons,” said UP head coach Goldwyn Monteverde.
