USJ-R ALL-STAR FORWARD GUIBAO COMMITS TO JOIN FEU TAMARAWS
THE University of San Jose-Recoletos Baby Jaguars All-Star forward Kevin Guibao is set to soar to new heights after giving his commitment to join the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws in the UAAP.
Guibao confirmed the move on Wednesday evening, Aug. 5, after informing school officials and head coach Leode Garcia of his decision, thereby paving the way for him to join the Olsen Racela-coached squad.
Guibao, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2019 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) Partner’s Cup, said he was in a bundle of emotions upon making the decision to move to Manila. The 6-foot-3 forward mentioned that it was not an easy decision to make and one that he came to after extensively talking it through with his family.
“I have a lot of mixed emotions right now. I’m excited to hopefully play in the country’s highest level of collegiate basketball competition,” said Guibao, who led the Baby Jaguars to the pre-season championship last year. However, USJ-R was not able to sustain its success and faltered during the regular season, failing to crack the Final Four.
Guibao spoke to Racela and another proud product of the Tamaraws system, Talisay City’s own Roger Ray Pogoy, who now plays for the Gilas Pilipinas and Talk N Text in the Philippine Basketball Association. He said that the comfort level that he had with Racela played a crucial role in his decision.
“I felt comfortable right away after talking with the coaching staff. Also, I am very aware about the high-level training program that they have,” said Guibao.
Racela, meanwhile, was ecstatic with Guibao’s commitment, saying he liked the youngster’s potential and drive.
“We like Kevin’s upside. He’s a natural wing and is athletic at 6’3”. It’s going to be up to us coaches to develop him so that he reaches his full potential,” said the prolific point guard turned head coach.
For Guibao, the chance to play in the UAAP is already a dream come true.
“It’s been my dream to play for a bigger league and to develop my competency in basketball further,” added Guibao.
Guibao is the latest Cesafi talent to jump ship to Manila following in the footsteps of reigning high school MVP LA Casinillo and high school stars Vincent Raymund Escobido of Don Bosco and Nathaniel Montecillo of the University of San Carlos. Also transferring to Manila to join the UAAP and NCAA schools are the University of the Visayas’ Jancork Cabahug and Gabriel Cometa.