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Recruitment of student-athletes in the collegiate ranks has become so competitive that it's not unusual to see players jumping from one school to another.

This is especially true in the case of blue-chip prospects or players who are seen as a cut above the rest based on their performances in high school and local leagues.

If you're a blue-chip prospect, expect a deluge of offers from various schools all hoping to convince you to play for them instead.

There are some, however, who opt to stay put and move up to the senior's team of their high school alma mater.

A perfect example would be Darius Estrella from the Jose Rizal University (JRU).

Darius has been with JRU since his high school playing days. He even won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in Season 90 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), boosting his value in the eyes of scouts and college coaches.

The shooting guard stayed with JRU and now plays for the college team of the Mandaluyong-based school.

“'Yong school kasi 'yong nagbigay ng opportunity to play the game that I love, e. 'Yon 'yung greatest na, parang utang na loob, ko sa kanila kaya 'di ko sila maiwan,” Darius told Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96 co-host, Martin Javier.

Loyalty seems to be Darius's most cherished trait and he applies it both on and off the court, including in the romance department.

Darius's girlfriend is Miss Earth Philippines 2020, Roxanne “Roxie” Baeyens.

The two met in Mandaluyong during a pageant while Roxanne was representing the barangay Darius lives in.

“Akala ko taga doon sa amin, hindi pala, taga Baguio pala siya,” smiled Darius.

The former NCAA junior's MVP praised Roxanne for staying grounded despite her achievements.

“Simple lang, nakakatawa and sobrang loyal niya. She supports me naman sa lahat ng mga bagay na gusto ko gawin 'yon ang pinakamahalaga,” Darius said about his beauty queen girlfriend.

He also offered advice to all the couples facing challenges due to limited time together because of the pandemic.

“Supporting each other and knowing [your] priorities. Kailangan mong maging matatag para mas mag-work 'yong relationship n'yo.”

Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96 airs every Sundays at 5:05 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 p.m., and Mondays to Fridays at 2:45 p.m on GTV.

Kapuso abroad can watch Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96 via GMA Pinoy TV. Visit www.gmapinoytv.com for more details.

Watch the interview here:

Get to know JRU star Darius Estrella more in this gallery: