Francis Lopez forgoes remaining years with UP, takes act to Japan B. League

Francis Lopez has decided to turn professional as the high-flying cager forgoes his remaining three years with University of the Philippines in the UAAP to take his act to Japan.

The 6-foot-6 forward is set to suit up as an import for Japan B. League club Fighting Eagles Nagoya, making himself the latest Filipino player to take his talent overseas.

He spent two years with the Fighting Maroons, helping lead the squad to the Season 87 title alongside Harold Alarcon, JD Cagulangan, and Quentin Millora-Brown as they ousted De La Salle University in a three-game finals showdown.

“’Di tayo dapat malungkot dahil nakaka-proud itong gagawin ni Francis. He’s the latest proof that what we do works and our student-athletes give pride to the UP community,” said UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol.

[We should not be sad because what Francis will do will make us proud. He’s the latest proof that what we do works and our student-athletes give pride to the UP community.]

Lopez, the Season 86 Rookie of the Year, also became the newest former UP player to play abroad, joining Cagulangan, Carl Tamayo, and Javi and Juan Gomez de Liaño.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News