Jared Bahay stays in Eagles nest
After thorough reflection and careful discernment, Cebuano basketball prospect Jared Bahay has decided to attend the Ateneo de Manila University for college and will play for the Blue Eagles starting in the UAAP Season 87 this year.
The move has effectively ended speculations on where Bahay is headed to after the country’s top high school cager turned his back on a prior commitment to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons.
In an official statement, a big factor in Bahay’s decision was the opportunity to continue his Jesuit education and formation.
As a homegrown student of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC), Bahay graduated from both grade school and high school, winning championships for the Magis Eagles at each level.
“I have decided to continue my studies at Ateneo de Manila and play for the Ateneo men’s basketball team. I believe that sustaining my Jesuit education will help unlock and sharpen my potential to the fullest, both on and off the court,” said Bahay, the Juniors MVP in last year’s Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 23 after helping the Magis Eagles complete a rare three-peat.
“Growing up and experiencing Cura Personalis at SHS-ADC, I am confident that their vision and holistic approach will contribute to my growth and maturity as a student, athlete, and person. I look forward to joining Coach Tab, the team, and the rest of the Ateneo community soon. Dugay nako nagdamgo nga makaabot ko sa UAAP, ug pirting lipaya nako nga makaduwa ko para sa blue and white,” said Bahay.
Bahay expressed excitement about wearing the Blue Eagle uniform and playing a crucial role in Ateneo’s journey back to the top of the UAAP mountain.
A versatile playmaker, the 18-year-old Bahay is really the kind of floor leader that the Blue Eagles are searching for following the exit of Forthsky Padrigao a year ago and Jared Brown opting to venture into the pro ranks.
“We’re really happy that Jared opted to come to Ateneo. We’re very excited, knowing that he will be a significant part of our program moving forward,” said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin.
At Ateneo, the blue-chip talent from Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City will not only reunite with former Magis Eagles teammates Raffy Celis and Michael Asoro but also with former Batang Gilas teammates Mason Amos, Kyle Gamber, Lebron Nieto, and Kobe Demisana.