YET another Fighting Maroon is set to become an Asian import in an international league.
Francis Lopez is bringing his high-flying act to Japan B.League team Fighting Eagles Nagoya, foregoing his remaining three seasons in the UAAP for the University of the Philippines.
Lopez joins former teammates Carl Tamayo and JD Cagulangan, as well as onetime State U players Javi and Juan Gomez de Liano as Asian imports in the professional leagues in Japan or Korea.
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The 6-foot-6 forward was a former Rookie of the Year and averaged 10.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks last season. It was his dagger three in Game 3 of the finals that helped the maroon-and-green hoist its second title in the past four tournaments.
“Thank you to the UP Fighting Maroons and the UP Community for the wonderful two years. I will never forget it. UP Fight forever,” said Lopez.
UP Fight in flight to Japan
For its part, UP pledged all-out support for the 21-year-old's latest career move.
“’Di tayo dapat malungkot dahil nakaka-proud itong gagawin ni Francis. He’s the latest proof that what we do works and our student-athletes give pride to the UP community,” said UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Dir. Bo Perasol.
As the the Fighting Maroons support his decision, their sights are still set on defending their title with Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Jacob Bayla, and Rey Remogat at the forefront.
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