FOR three years, Andy Gemao has been showcasing his skills in North America, holding out hope for a break in the U.S. NCAA.
At long last, he has just that in his hands, with the 6-foot athletic playmaker committing to Penn State on Saturday morning (Philippine time).
Just hours earlier, Gemao revealed on his Instagram that he received his first U.S. NCAA offer. There wasn't going to be a next one, as he wasted no time grabbing the opportunity to become a Nittany Lion.
Now, the 19 year old will be the latest Filipino to try his luck in an American big league, following in the footsteps of Japeth Aguilar, Ray Parks Jr., Kobe Paras, and Kai Sotto.
Andy dandy notebook
Gemao first broke into the scene as the spitfire guard for NCAA Season 98 juniors champion Letran before heading to the U.S. then Canada where he finished high school, while also training for international play.
In between, he also suited up for Fil-Am Nation USA in the Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM, as well as for the University of the Philippines in a couple of contests in preseason leagues.
The Fighting Maroons were looking forward to having Gemao fill the void at point left by Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, and Janjan Felicilda, pairing him with Rey Remogat for yet another run at the title.
Once he makes the Penn State roster for this year's NCAA season starting in August, however, he will no longer be considered an out of high school recruit.
READ: Here's the real score on Andy Gemao's reported deal with UP Maroons
That means that by any chance that Gemao decides to go back to the Philippines and play for UP, or any other collegiate team for that matter, he will have to undergo one-year residency before being eligible.
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