IT took Gani Stevens two years and three schools to find a school that fits his vision as a student-athlete.
Now eligible for the coming season, Stevens is thrilled to suit up for the University of the Philippines and ready to take on the challenge of crashing the main rotation of a loaded Maroons lineup this UAAP Season 87.
In 2022, Stevens first saw action for the University of Santo Tomas in a month-long stint in the preseason before transfering to the University of the East for a one-and-done stint in Season 85.
After a sixth-place finish with the Warriors, UP took him in, sat out UAAP Season 86 to fulfill his residency requirement , and will now suit up for the Maroons in time for the departure of Malick Diouf.
The 6-foot-7 center from Minnesota bared he sees himself staying at UP. Hopefully for good.
Here’s why
“It’s very competitive, the culture, you can feel it. They don’t settle for less, they strive to be the best,” Stevens told SPIN.ph. “I’ve been in teams that’s pretty complacent, it’s not like that in UP.”
The Fighting Maroons are 2-0 in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup and Stevens has been solid so far, tallying ffour points, six rebounds, and an assist in 17 minutes of play in a win over the University of Santo Tomas, 76-73, on Monday.
Stevens said the highly competitive atmosphere at UP and the fierce fight for places serve as his driving force.
“The higher level of play in UP makes me a better player," he said. "I needed to deserve my playing time out there."
With fellow newcomers looking to complement the core of JD Cagulangan, Gerry Abadiano, Reyland Torres, and Janjan Felicilda, Stevens said there's enough time to prepare for the bid to bring back the championship to Diliman.
“We’re still adjusting, we’re close to having that chemistry but we’re still trying to get there,” Stevens said
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