Francis Lopez goes for a dunk during a game against UST in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. Lopez is leaving UP to play in the B.League in Japan.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Francis Lopez is set to take his act to Japan after helping University of the Philippines to a successful title redemption campaign in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament last year.

The UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development on Monday announced that Lopez will forgo his remaining three seasons after signing with the Fighting Eagles Nagoya in the B.League.

“Hindi tayo dapat malungkot dahil nakaka-proud itong gagawin ni Francis. He’s the latest proof that what we do works and our student-athletes give pride to the UP community,” said UP OASD Director Bo Perasol.

READ: Francis Lopez redeems elf to emerge as UP hero in title clincher

Lopez was the UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year in 2023 where the Maroons settled for a runner-up finish.

The 6-foot-6 forward averaged 10.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks last season and hit the dagger three against La Salle in Game 3 of the Season 87 Finals.

“Thank you to the UP Fighting Maroons and the UP Community for the wonderful two years. I will never forget it. UP Fight forever,” said Lopez.

READ: UP outlasts La Salle to reclaim UAAP men’s basketball title

Lopez joins former teammates Carl Tamayo and JD Cagulangan, as well as ex-Fighting Maroons Javi and Juan Gomez de Liano as Asian imports in the professional leagues in Japan or Korea.

With Lopez playing overseas, UP coach Goldwin Monteverde will be banking more on Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Jacob Bayla, and Rey Remogat in their title defense in Season 88.