UP transferee James Payosing. Handout/UP OASD

MANILA -- James Payosing, a former NCAA champion with the San Beda Red Lions, has joined the UP Fighting Maroons, the team announced on Thursday.

Payosing was the Finals MVP when San Beda won the NCAA Season 99 men's basketball crown, averaging 9.7 points and 12.7 in their three-game series against the Mapua Cardinals.

He will be eligible to play in UAAP Season 89 after serving a one-year residency. 

"Si James yung isa sa mga magme-make sure na magko-continue lang yung laban natin even 'pag tapos na yung mga champions natin ngayon. We are very excited to have him," said two-time seniors and juniors champion coach Goldwin Monteverde.

Payosing, a 6-foot-2 guard, is expected to bolster the Fighting Maroons' roster next year, when Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Janjan Felicilda, Terrence Fortea, and Reyland Torres will all have played out their eligibility.

In the meantime, UP will defend its UAAP crown in Season 88 behind Abadiano, Alarcon, and Francis Lopez.