JARED Bahay has officially de-committed from the University of the Philippines.
UP officials on Friday confirmed the highly-touted 5-foot-11 Cebuano guard has withdrawn his commitment to the Fighting Maroons, blaming the intervention of ‘outside forces’ which they said prompted his eventual ‘change of heart.’
READ: Jared Bahay's commitment to UP in doubt as he weighs 'other opportunities'
"In the last two years, the UP MBT and Jared Bahay have developed a special relationship. We envisioned a common future with Jared handling the reins of a championship-caliber team. We believed in his immense talent and capacity to lead," said UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol.
"However, not all things go according to plan. Although we have remained in our commitment to Jared, outside forces have intervened for him to have a change of heart."
The country's best high school player, who was ranked atop the NBTC's Class of 2023, rang in the new year with an explosive finish to his juniors career upon lifting Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles to a third straight Cesafi title over University of the Visayas.
But what was once shaping up to be a red carpet entry to Diliman in UAAP Season 87, equipped with juniors championship pedigree and Gilas Youth experience, has taken a sudden detour — possibly to the other side of Katipunan.
Multiple sources told SPIN.ph that Bahay is 'likely headed' to Ateneo as reigning champion La Salle also 'showed interest' in the ace playmaker's services.
Bahay's 'new home'
In closing, Perasol and the rest of the Fighting Maroons management wished Bahay the best of luck in his 'new home.'
"It is with a heavy heart that we respect his decision. A man should be at liberty to choose his own destiny. Godspeed and the best of luck to him.
"The 'J-House' has a new home. We hope the 'J-House' will always be home, wherever that be," Perasol said.
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