Ateneo de Manila University's basketball team has added 6-foot-8 center Henjz Gabriel "Kobe" Demisana to their roster.
The highly-touted prospect, who recently graduated from the University of the Philippines Integrated School, had dreamed of playing for Ateneo since he was a child.
"Growing up, Ateneo is one of my dream schools but it was during my sa Gilas (Youth) nung nagustuhan ko talaga yung school. Nung time na yun, sa Moro (Lorenzo Gym) kami at nakita ko na I can easily bond with them," said the 18-year-old center who was part of the Philippine team that competed in the FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship last August.
Demisana cited the school's prestigious reputation as a major factor in his decision to commit to Ateneo, as he hopes to grow both as a player and a student there.
"But siyempre, the main reason I chose Ateneo is that I know I can grow more as a player and as a student here. Alam naman natin na Ateneo is one of the top universities in the Philippines and I will learn a lot here hindi lang sa court kung hindi pati rin sa about life after basketball," he added.
In his lone season with UPIS, Demisana was a standout player, averaging 17.64 points, 12.64 rebounds, 4.07 blocks, 2.64 assists, and 2.14 steals per game, and was named to the UAAP Season 85 Mythical Team.
He expressed gratitude to his former coaches and teammates for helping him shine in the UAAP and looks forward to learning from Ateneo's head coach, Tab Baldwin.
"I am so excited to be under Coach Tab, primarily because of his experience and career. I know there is still so much for me to learn, and I am confident that Coach Tab will give his best to teach me. I want to absorb all the knowledge and skills that Coach Tab can impart because he knows what is best for every player," said Demisana.
Demisana joins a highly-regarded recruiting class for Ateneo, which includes Raffy Celis, Michael Asoro, Mason Amos, and Kyle Gamber.
