Paolo Romero to UP

The Philippine Star just reported that Blue Eaglet Paolo Romero is headed down Katipunan to UP as part of that team's rebuilding project. Consider this to be the first manifestation of Ricky Dandan's Ateneo connection bearing fruit.

"The new-look Maroons will parade a slew of recruits led by 6’7 Nigerian Alinko Embah, 6-4 Raul Soyud [sic] from West Negros University, Jello [sic] Montecastro from St. Benilde, and Paolo Romero from UAAP three-peat juniors champion Ateneo."

 The 6'4" EDIT: 6'2" (only!) Romero played center in high school, where he averaged 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds a game. In college, he'll slide down to the power forward spot, and probably back up Sauyod. He'll bring an element of big game experience to this team, and he'll definitely help the team's rebounding efforts. In addition, given the relatively short tenures of Embah and Sauyod at UP (due to playing years eaten by residency), Romero will have the opportunity to grow into a starting position in two or three years' time.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer adds that the Maroons will be playing Busan National University in three exhibition games as part of their off-season training, starting January 22.