Jared Bahay chooses Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles

By: Dale Rosal - 10 months ago

Cebuano high school prodigy Jared Bahay poses for a photo op during a press conference on Thursday, January 25, 2024. Bahay and his camp announced the decision for the 18-year-old prospect to play for the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles in the UAAP. CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa

CEBU CITY, Philippines—(UPDATED, 10 p.m., January 25) Jared Bahay, Cebu’s top high school basketball player, has made his decision: He is going to the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles in the UAAP.

This development was confirmed by Popoy Navarro of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, who is one of the representatives of the 18-year-old Bahay.

Bahay is a back-to-back Cesafi high school MVP, Palarong Pambansa gold medalist, NBTC Philippines best high school player, and a former member of the Batang Gilas.

Why Ateneo de Manila?

READ MORE: Where is Jared Bahay going?

“I’m attending Ateneo de Manila University because I want to continue my education in another Jesuit school. In addition, the opportunity to play right away is another reason I considered in making this decision,” said Bahay through Rhoel Dejano, a mentor and representative of Jared.

Bahay, a 5-foot-9 player from Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City, is one of the heavily recruited basketball prospects today because of his sheer talent, basketball IQ, and fearlessness on the court.

Bahay led the Magis Eagles in winning two Cesafi high school titles in 2022 and 2023, where he was crowned MVP.

Bahay also led the Magis Eagles in winning the Palarong Pambansa gold medal last July in Marikina City, against the powerhouse, National Capital Region (NCR).

It can be recalled that Bahay initially committed to the UP Fighting Maroons in March 2023.

READ: Bahay, Cebuano high school basketball star, to play for UP Fighting Maroons

Excited to play for Ateneo

“It’s really exciting to join the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles. I’m excited to play for them. I’m also excited to play under coach Tab’s (Baldwin) leadership with coach Sandy and the staff. But I still have to fight for my spot and earn my coaches’ and teammates’ respect,” said Bahay in a press conference on Thursday night, January 25.

He was joined in the presser at the Cebu Country Club my some team officials of the Magis Eagles and Blue Eagles.

Absent, though, was Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin, who couldn’t make the presser but recorded a message for Bahay.

“We’re all really excited. We’re excited for you, we’re excited for your family, we’re excited for our team and certainly the Ateneo community,” Baldwin said in a taped message played during the press conference.

“It’s a big decision and we hope for a very bright future together,” he added.

It can be recalled that Ateneo de Manila also recruited two of Bahay’s former teammates in Raffy Celis and Michael Asoro last year. Another Cebuano was also recruited by the Blue Eagles in Sean Quitevis.

Besides Ateneo, a US-based team was also heavily recruiting Bahay after his decommitment to UP.