Prospect Jared Bahay withdraws UP commitment; Maroons point to ‘outside forces’

MANILA, Philippines – Jared Bahay has opted to take his talents to another school, the UP Fighting Maroons said, following a "change of heart."

This as there were reports that Bahay was looking into fielding other offers.

The Maroons on Friday, announced that Bahay will no longer be playing for UP and will instead look for another home.

"In the last two years, the UP MBT and Jared Bahay have developed a special relationship. We envisioned a common future with Jared handling the reins of a championship-caliber team. We believed in his immense talent and capacity to lead," UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol said.

"However, not all things go according to plan. Although we have remained in our commitment to Jared, outside forces have intervened for him to have a change of heart," he added.

The top high school prospect of the Philippines, Bahay earlier committed to UP and was set to debut in the UAAP in Season 87.

However, the playmaker, who just led the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu's successful title defense in the CESAFI, changed his mind.

"It is with a heavy heart that we respect his decision. A man should be at liberty to choose his own destiny. Godspeed and the best of luck to him," Perasol said.

"The 'J-House' has a new home. We hope the 'J-House' will always be home, wherever that be," he added.

He was a former mainstay of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth program.

His new destination is yet to be announced.