University of the Philippines‘ Francis Lopez in action against De La Salle University in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals, December 15, 2024, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News.MANILA — Francis Lopez’s time with University of the Philippines has come to an end.

The 6-foot-6, UAAP Season 87 champion is set to forgo his remaining three years of collegiate eligibility, and he will now be playing for the Fighting Eagles Nagoya in the Japan B.League.

“Thank you to the UP Fighting Maroons and the UP Community for the wonderful two years. I will never forget it. UP Fight forever,” said Lopez in a statement through the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development (OASD) on Monday.

Lopez put up 10.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 rejections in Season 87, one that was highlighted by a vital three-pointer in Game 3 of their Finals clash with De La Salle University to eventually clinch the title.

“’Di tayo dapat malungkot dahil nakaka-proud itong gagawin ni Francis,” said UP OASD Director Bo Perasol.

“He’s the latest proof that what we do works and our student-athletes give pride to the UP community.”

Lopez joins former teammates Carl Tamayo and JD Cagulangan, as well as onetime State U players Javi and Juan Gomez de Liano as Asian imports in the professional leagues in Japan or Korea.

Prior to this development, Lopez was set to still have three years of eligibility left in the UAAP.

On the other hand, Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Jacob Bayla, and Rey Remogat are to hold for the Maroons in their bid for title retention in Season 88 later this year.