Photo: NCAA Philippines

By Raymond Reyes

Mapua University has lost another key player as athletic forward EJ Sapasap has decided to transfer to National University.

Sapasap was a vital cog in the Cardinals’ quarterfinal run in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season (NCAA) 101 men’s basketball tournament, averaging 8.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in his rookie year.

The 6-foot-2, 22-year-old is the latest Cardinal to depart, joining Drex Delos Reyes, Joe Gulapa, and JC Recto. Former NCAA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Clint Escamis has also exhausted his collegiate eligibility.

Sapasap will sit out for a year before becoming eligible to play in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 90 in 2027.

On the other hand, the Cardinals’ rebuild will be led by their new head coach, former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) champion Chito Victolero.