Despite getting an attractive offer from the University of Sto. Tomas (UST), former Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Jay Tadatada has decided to play closer to home.
The former University of San Carlos (USC) ace, who was the league MVP in 2014 and a key ingredient to the success of the Baby Warriors in the past few years, decided to bring his talents to the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) this season.
Tadatada, who helped lead USC to four consecutive finals appearances, admitted that it was tough for him to leave the Warriors, especially his friend in the Baby Warriors team captain Gwyndharell Guy, who has been his teammate since his first year with USC.
The open-spiker from Minglanilla town, southern Cebu said his decision had something to do with his education.
“The strand I took was STEM, which is in USC Talamban. But I’m from Minglanilla, so it needs a lot of sacrifices if I will be going to USC-TC because I still need to travel to the north campus for practice,” Tadatada said. “I decided to join USJ-R because it’s closer to home and I’m comfortable that I still have time to study because I can go home early.”
The Baby Jaguars squad practices in the Basak Campus, which is 16.3 kilometers from Minglanilla.
“I’m thankful for four amazing years with USC. We have accomplished a lot. I really miss them.”
Before making a decision to join the Baby Jaguars this summer, Tadatada was also offered by University Athletic Association of the Philippines powerhouse UST, but he turned it down to stay in Cebu so he could be closer to his parents.
“Manila is too far and I would like to play in my hometown. Cebu is nicer and my loved ones are here, especially my parents who are very supportive,” shared the Grade 11 student.
Joining Tadatada in the Baby Jaguars camp is his former USC teammate, Jan Sumalinog.
USJ-R last won a title in 2015 and finished third last season.
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