Joshua Ramirez joins FEU’s impressive young core

Add another blue-chip recruit to the impressive young nucleus of the FEU men’s basketball program.

Far Eastern University athletic director Mark Molina confirmed to Rappler on Wednesday, October 7, that former NCAA juniors division standout Joshua Ramirez has committed to the FEU Tamaraws. 

The 6-foot-4 Ramirez will be eligible to play for FEU as early as UAAP Season 83, assuming it pushes through.

“We recruited Joshua because of his shooting,” said FEU head coach Olsen Racela.

“He spreads the floor the way Kenneth Tuffin and Rey Bienes spread the floor for us. Both will be playing their last year in Season 83 so we see Joshua taking over their roles for the team. We expect him to play the wing position also because of his versatility.”

Ramirez, who averaged 13 points and 5 boards a game in his senior high school campaign with Letran, originally committed to Letran’s collegiate squad before shifting gears to De La Salle University. 

After decommitting from the Green Archers, Ramirez was recruited by Racela. His commitment was secured following a Zoom meeting which included former Tamaraw leader and UAAP Finals MVP Mac Belo.

The 20-year-old Ramirez also saw action for the Batang Gilas national team that finished 4th in the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship.

“Olsen got in touch with him after learning he decommitted from DLSU.  We feel he can be the replacement for Cholo Anonuevo and play the big-wing position,” said Molina. 

Anonuevo, FEU’s high school standout, originally committed to the seniors team but left for the United States to pursue an opportunity to play in the NBA.

Ramirez adds to an FEU team with noteworthy players like RJ Abarrientos, LJ Gonzales, Royce Alforque, Xyrus Torres, and Bryan Sajonia. 

“We need his size in the wings,” said Molina, noting FEU’s depth in the guard position. 

Molina said the team envisions Ramirez playing the small forward and power forward positions like Belo, who became famous for his Final Four game-winners against La Salle and Ateneo, and for leading FEU to its last championship in 2015 against UST. 

“His skill level is definitely more advanced than Mac when Mac joined us,” Molina said about Ramirez. 

“I’m not sure if he is Mac Belo-like, but Mac, for sure, had a hand in him joining FEU.”

The Tamaraws, who are staying in shape via Zoom workouts, are looking to improve on their fourth-place finish in UAAP Season 82. – Rappler.com