Jared Bahay Withdraws from Early Commitment to Play for UP Fighting Maroons
In a surprising turn of events, Jared Bahay has decided to withdraw his early commitment to play for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. The team made the announcement on Friday, Jan. 5.
The decision was acknowledged in an official press release by the school’s Office for Athletics and Sports Development. The 5-foot-11 guard, who had committed to UP before graduating from the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, led his school to a successful title defense in the recently concluded CESAFI Season 23 juniors tournament.
UP OASD Director Bo Perasol expressed disappointment at Bahay’s decision, saying, “In the last two years, the UP MBT and Jared Bahay have developed a special relationship. We believed in his immense talent and capacity to lead.” The school also pointed out “outside forces” that eventually swayed the 18-year-old to have a change of heart.
Bahay was supposed to be eligible to play for the Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 87, which would have been a remarkable addition to the rebuilding UP team whose championship campaign fell flat last season. However, with Bahay’s departure from the UP side making rounds on social media, fans have been speculating that he will remain as an Atenean and will see action for the Blue Eagles, who are seriously looking to beef up their rotation after finishing fourth last season.
