The Blue Eagle has Landed – Brandon Ramirez

By Emar Sy
Toronto-Canada
June 18, 2017



Later on he decided to join the York University Lions where he became a starter on his sophomore year. During his freshman year he also received an offer to play for San Beda after Team Manager Jude Roque spotted him on a San Beda tryout organized by Crossover Sports Canada here in Toronto. However, he respectfully declined the offer as he was not yet ready to stay and study in the Philippines.

This year the news of success of Team Canada-SMART who played at the SM NBTC and 2^nd Dreamers International Boys 18U Basketball Challenge has spread like a wild fire in the GTA. It rekindled Brandon’s desire to pursue his dream, sought the advice of Coach Mike Cruz and asked for possible opportunities available. Fortunately, colleges and universities was interested in recruiting Fil Canadian players after seeing them play at the NBTC. Ateneo De Manila University Team manager in particular was looking for a big guy to shore up their front line. Coach Mike recommended Brandon and set up the initial video call conference between parties. Brandon made a very good account of himself during the conference and impressed Ateneo Coach Tab Baldwin. Team Manager Epok was also very happy and invited Brandon to come to Chicago to personally meet him and attend a tryout being conducted there.

In Chicago, Brandon and his mom Digna personally met Epok. Brandon was so dominant during the tryouts and was offered a full athletic scholarship by Ateneo right away. Details of his transfer and commitment was discussed including other benefits he will receive. Official letter of intent was provided upon his return to Canada of which Brandon accepted later on after consulting his family. To date Brandon is in the Philippines to take the entrance examination. He will fly back to Canada to attend his brother’s graduation. Afterwards he will go to Los Angeles to join his team mates for a two weeks training camp and finally land back to the Philippines as the newest member of the Ateneo Blue Eagles.