By MARK REY MONTEJO
High-flying forward Francis Lopez made a big leap in his young, promising career as he decided to bring his act to the Japanese B.League, his school University of the Philippines announced Monday, April 28.
Lopez, 21, opted to forego his three remaining years for the Fighting Maroons to take part in the Japanese pro basketball meet as an Asian import for the Nagoya Fighting Eagles.
The 6-foot-6 brought his talent for the Eagles who currently hold a 28-30 win-loss record at 13th place in B. League.
Bo Perasol, who serves as director of the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development, expressed his support to Lopez’s decision.
“Hindi tayo dapat malungkot dahil nakaka-proud itong gagawin ni Francis,” said Perasol. “He’s the latest proof that what we do work and our student-athletes give pride to the UP community.”
With his decision, Lopez followed his former UP teammates in Carl Tamayo, JD Cagulangan, and Javi and Juan Gomez de Liano in seeking greener pasture abroad. The three are making waves inthe Korean Basketball League (KBL).
Lopez also expected to meet other Filipino imports who are vying in their respective clubs in Japan, including Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Matthew Wright, Kai Sotto, and AJ Edu, to name a few.
Before his departure to the Diliman-based squad, Lopez normed 10.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks last season, playing a pivotal role in their championship win over the De La Salle Green Archers in their UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament best-of-three finals series.
“Thank you to the UP Fighting Maroons and the UP Community for the wonderful two years. I will never forget it. UP Fight forever,” said Lopez.
The Fighting Maroons are now expected to bank on Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Jacob Bayla, and Rey Remogat in their title defense bid in Season 88.
