USJ-R’s Fletcher Galvez forgoes final playing year, to suit up for Cebu City Sharks in MPBL

Forward Fletcher Galvez, who has also played for Max4 Birada-Cebu City in the Chooks-to-Go 3×3, will not be returning to play for USJ-R, instead opting to suit up for the Cebu City Sharks in the MPBL. | contributed photo

Cebu City, Philippines— Veteran forward Fletcher Galvez is no longer returning to the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) for his final playing year in the Cesafi men’s basketball tournament.

Instead, the 6-foot-3 Cebuano will be suiting up for the Cebu City Sharks in the upcoming season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

The development was divulged by USJ-R head coach Leode Garcia, who shared he gave Galvez the green light to move on with the Sharks. 

Read more: Despite losing key players, USJ-R vows to ‘play to win’ in upcoming Cesafi season

Galvez was the lone holdover from the Jaguars’ starting five that made it all the way to the Cesafi finals. Of the quintet, four players are now playing for the Sharks — Jaybie Mantilla, Nichole Ubalde, RJ Dinolan and Galvez.

In an exclusive talk with CDN Digital, Galvez explained that his decision to forego his last playing year was a “personal one.” 

But apart from that, the opportunity to move up to the Sharks was just too enticing to pass up on.

“My family helped me make this decision to take the opportunity to be part of the Sharks where this will really help me develop my basketball skills and most especially, help me financially as well, which will help me help my family,” said the 6-foot-3 forward.

Galvez also took the time to express his gratitude to the school for helping him improve, both on and off the court.

Now with the Sharks and the MPBL season set to open next month, Galvez is focused on making the most of his chance to play at this level.

“Of course, I feel overwhelmed and thankful to have this very big opportunity, playing from humble beginnings then right now to play with veterans. I’m so grateful.” /bmjo