UP recruits US NCAA Division 1 guard Coquia

MANILA, Philippines — Former US NCAA Division 1 talent Irish Coquia will be bolstering the backcourt of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. 

The Filipino-Canadian guard is set to see action with UP come the UAAP Season 90, the Fighting Maroons announced on Thursday.

Coquia, a 6-foot-1 playmaker who last suited up for the University of New Orleans following a standout stint for U.S. NCAA Division 2 side Simon Fraser University, will have two more years of eligibility after redshirting UAAP Season 89.

The 20-year-old point guard will be the team’s primary playmaker come Season 90, with veterans Rey Remogat and Rain Maga set to exhaust their eligibility after Season 89.

"Together with our other recruits, makakatulong si Irish sa atin, especially to ensure na tuloy-tuloy lang tayo pagkatapos ng playing years nina Rey at Rain," said head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

He is expected to be part of the main core of the Fighting Maroons, along with Veejay Pre and James Payosing. Coquia will also share the backcourt with Fil-Am Joaquin Tovera.

Prior to his collegiate exploits, he emerged as one of British Columbia's top high school players, averaging 35 points while leading his team to a provincial championship and earning MVP honors.