NATIONAL University obtained a commitment from San Beda’s Rev Diputado to play for the Bulldogs in the coming UAAP season, fortifying the school’s line-up after suffering key player losses entering this year.
Coach Eric Altamirano confirmed that Diputado will be joining the Bulldogs after his stint with the Red Cubs in the NCAA where he was one of the vital players in the team’s run for a fifth straight championship.
“He will add depth in our point guard position,” Altamirano admitted.
A former national youth team member, Diputado was the Red Cubs’ top scorer during their conquest of NCAA Season 89 averaging 14.9 points, while also contributing 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
The expected arrival of Diputado comes at a time when the Bulldogs face a season of uncertainty after the top-ranked team of Season 76 lost two-time Most Valuable Player Bobby Ray Parks as he tries his luck in the United States.
Also gone for NU are Emmanuel Mbe and Robin Roño who have both played their final year with the school, while Jeff Javillonar suffered an ACL tear and will be out for the coming season.
Diputado can play immediately if he makes the NU roster for this year’s UAAP as he is not covered by the league’s new two-year residency rule on high school graduates since he came from an NCAA school.
Diputado’s teammate Arvin Tolentino also made the jump to the UAAP after opting to play for Ateneo.
Javee Mocon and Ranbill Tongco, on the other hand, elected to stay with San Beda.
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