Francis Lopez to join Japan B.League's Fighting Eagles Nagoya

University of the Philippines (UP) standout player Francis Lopez is foregoing his remaining three seasons to join the Japan B.League's Fighting Eagles Nagoya.

Lopez, 21, will join the Eagles as an Asian import, a team that currently holds a 28-30 win-loss record and is in 13th place in the B.League.

UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol expressed pride in Lopez's decision, stating it is proof of the success of UP's athletic programs.

Lopez follows in the footsteps of former UP teammates Carl Tamayo, JD Cagulangan, and Javi and Juan Gomez de Liano, who are now playing in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).

He is also expected to encounter several other Filipino imports playing in Japan, such as Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Matthew Wright, Kai Sotto, and AJ Edu.

In his UAAP career, Lopez, a 6-foot-6 forward, was a former Rookie of the Year and averaged 10.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks last season.

His crucial three-pointer in Game 3 of the finals was instrumental in UP securing their second title in four tournaments.

Lopez expressed his gratitude to the UP Fighting Maroons and the UP Community for his two years with the team.

The UP Fighting Maroons will begin their UAAP title defense with Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Jacob Bayla, and Rey Remogat as key players.