Fil-Am guard Jared Brown beefs up stacked Ateneo roster

Ateneo de Manila University continued to add to its talent haul after securing the commitment of Filipino-American guard Jared Brown beginning UAAP Season 86 next year.

A standout of Westmont College in California, Brown was introduced to the media by Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin on Thursday ahead of their trip to Japan for the World University Basketball Series (WUBS).

The 21-year-old Brown, who averaged 15.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists last season in US NCAA, will have a maximum of three playing years.

Brown is expected to be a huge boost for Ateneo following the departures of SJ Belangel, Tyler Tio, and Gian Mamuyac as they eye for redemption after getting dethroned by University of the Philippines in the previous season following a three-peat.

However, he isn't expected to join Ateneo in their WUBS stint as Chris Koon, Ange Kouame, Dave Ildefonso, Geo Chiu, and captain BJ Andrade are the ones tipped to lead the team in the out-of-the-country preseason activity.

The Blue Eagles will leave on Sunday for the four-team pocket tournament which will be on August 9 to 11.

"I'm really excited to play another country, something Ateneo's known for, travel and play with another team," said Koon in a press conference on Thursday.

Ildefonso added: "Very happy to be able to represent the school and the country as well. Hopefully, we show out and we're really excited to get more games under our belt."

Also competing in the maiden tournament are Japan’s Tokai University, Chinese-Taipei’s National Chengchi University, and Indonesia’s Universitas Pelita Harapan.

The format of the three-day tilt will be a single round-robin with the team on top winning the championship.

—JMB, GMA News