FORMER Tiger Cubs guard James Jumao-as is set to return to the Tigers’ lair and join the UST Growling Tigers following his exit from the Letran Knights.
As per UAAP rules, Jumao-as will serve a one-year residency before restarting his UST career in Season 89. He will play for the Tigers’ Team B during his residency year and will be eligible until Season 90.
UST team manager Waiyip Chong confirmed the news to the Varsitarian. Jumao-as joins the Tiger’s loaded guard rotation for Season 89 bannered by Mur Alao, and Charles Bucsit.
“Pinatawag ako ni boss Waiyip. Kinausap niya kung gusto ko ba daw bumalik sa UST. Doon nagsimula lahat,” Jumao-as told the Varsitarian.
“Asahan nila na gagawin ko lang lahat ng ipapagawa sa akin nila coach Pido (Jarencio). Gusto ko maging maasahan akong player sa team.”
Jumao-as played for Letran, a sister school of UST, in NCAA Seasons 99 and 100, following a stint with the Tiger Cubs under former head coach Jinio Manansala.
In his final year with the Tiger Cubs in Season 85, Jumao-as played with current Tigers Mark Llemit, Koji Buenaflor, and Charles Bucsit.
“Hindi na ako maninibago pagbalik ko kasi nga nakalaro ko na yan sila Llemit, Koji, Bucsit noong high school,” he said.
The 20-year-old shooter averaged 2.88 points, 1.44 rebounds, and 0.63 assists in nearly nine minutes per game in NCAA Season 100.
Jumao-as adds to the slew of UST’s offseason recruits, including Ateneo Blue Eagles big man Kris Porter and Buenaflor from the Tiger Cubs.
