UNIVERSITY of the Philippines is taking a chance JBoy Gob, a former blue-chip prospect beset by injuries who the Maroons now hope can further bolster their frontline.
Gob last played in Season 78 for La Salle after coming off two ACL surgeries in back-to-back seasons. But when healthy, the 6-5 slotman was certainly a force to be reckoned with in the league.
Gob, 21, stood out as La Salle Greenhills’ premier big man in 2014 where he averaged 14.9 points and 15.1 rebounds and was named the Defensive Player of the Year.
Though his career never took off in an injury-wracked stint at La Salle, the move to the Fighting Maroons could just be the fresh start Gob needs, more so since he will be reunited with former high school teammate Ricci Rivero.
UP coach Bo Perasol foresees Gob and Will Gozum combining in the frontline once Bright Akhuetie plays out his one and only year of eligibility with the team.
“In our program, he’ll be a welcome addition. As I’ve said, chineck ko yung aming timeline right after the second year, by that time na wala na rin si Bright, then probably we can still have him and Will Gozum,” said UP head coach Bo Perasol.
“I really think that he’s full of drive, full of talent. He can shoot, but he needs to have that opportunity to showcase what he has,” he added.
Perasol said that he’s been eyeing Gob since his days as the Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach.
“I really wanted to have him when I was in Ateneo. Nandoon na siya, but then again, he opted to go to La Salle. Then atleast this time we can have him.”
Though he’s been sidelined for the past two years, Gob has been active in La Salle’s Team B playing in various small leagues outside of the UAAP.
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