UP's Lopez turns pro, joins Japan's B.League

University of the Philippines' Francis Lopez is set to turn professional as he joins Japan's B.League team Fighting Eagles Nagoya, forgoing his remaining three years of collegiate eligibility.

UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol expressed pride in Lopez's achievement, noting it reflects positively on UP’s athletic program.

The 6-foot-6 forward spent two years with the Fighting Maroons, contributing to their Season 87 title win over De La Salle University alongside Harold Alarcon, JD Cagulangan, and Quentin Millora-Brown.

Lopez joins former teammates Carl Tamayo and JD Cagulangan as well as ex-UP players Javi and Juan Gomez de Liano, who are now playing professionally in Japan or Korea.

The Season 86 Rookie of the Year thanked the UP Fighting Maroons and the UP community for his two-year stint, expressing gratitude and loyalty towards the university.

Fighting Eagles Nagoya currently holds a record of 28-30 in their B. League season.