Ateneo Blue Eagles get services of Raffy Verano from California

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles have secured a commitment from 6-foot-3 San Gabriel Academy standout Raffy Verano, team manager Epok Quimpo confirmed to Rappler on Tuesday, March 15.

The guard-forward is expected to “add more size and versatility to the team,” which will be coached by Philippine basketball men’s national head coach Tab Baldwin.

During his senior campaign playing high school ball in the United States, Verano led his team to titles in the Energy Class tournament and the Westside League, where he was awarded All-League honors.

Verano also led his previous high school, Bellarmine-Jefferson High School, to “multiple championships” in his first 3 years and was also named to “several All-League teams.”

Verrano joins an impressive batch of rookies for the Blue Eagles that include Jolo Mendoza, Gian Mamuyac, Tyler Tio, and Shaun Ildefonso.

Work..  pic.twitter.com/qXN0NRHdOr

— Raffy Verano (@raffyverano) March 13, 2016

Ateneo is also expected to welcome former San Sebastian star CJ Perez, while talents like Arvin Tolentino, Adrian Wong, Aaron Black, Thirdy Ravena, and Matt Nieto are anticipated to return.

“With the departure of key players such as two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Kiefer Ravena and the sharpshooting Von Pessumal, the Blue Eagles hope that Verano’s size and all-around game could help them make it back to the top,” it was stated in the press release Quimpo sent to Rappler.

The 18-year-old Filipino-American, who had a 3.0 GPA in high school, averaged 16 points a game on 50% shooting – including 35% from downtown – during his senior season.

He also averaged 8.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 steals a contest. – Rappler.com