UAAP: Dennis Uy denies taking over as La Salle's chief backer

MANILA, Philippines – Businessman Dennis Uy has shot down rumors claiming he will take over as the new chief backer of De La Salle University's men's basketball program.

This, after a report by the Bilyonaryo website on Friday claimed that the Phoenix Petroleum owner will now bankroll the Green Archers, replacing Danding Cojuangco.

Cojuangco stepped down as the main patron of the La Salle men's basketball program last year. The Green Archers finished the season with a 7-7 record, and missed out on the Final 4.

"The rumors of yours truly taking over as the new patron of the De La Salle Green Archers basketball team are untrue," Uy said in a statement.

"While I am certainly a proud alumnus of the De La Salle University and an avid fan and supporter of basketball, I have never been formally approached about leading the basketball program of my alma mater," he added.

Uy, who bankrolls the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters in the PBA, said he wishes La Salle all the best in their future games and will continue to cheer for them "as an alumnus and a fan."

Bilyonaryo's report claimed that Uy would pour some P10-M a year into La Salle's basketball program in a bid to catch them up with the Ateneo de Manila University's basketball team. The Blue Eagles have ruled the UAAP for three straight years.

In January, La Salle hired veteran mentor Derrick Pumaren to be the Green Archers' coach, replacing active consultant Jermaine Byrd. ABS-CBN News