CHICCO BRIONES, 19, brings his act from Carroll College in Montana to the University of the Philippines.
The 6-foot-6 Briones, son of former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player Lowell Briones, played one year for Carroll College. He will serve his residency next year and will be eligible to play for UP in Season 86.
The elder Briones played for Mobiline, Sta. Lucia, Red Bull and Coca Cola in the PBA from 1997 to 2022.
“This is four years in the making,” UP Basketball Program Head Bo Perasol said.
Chicco was able to join UP during their training in Las Vegas several years ago.
Despite many Philippine college teams vying for his services, Briones chose UP.
“Why not?” said Chicco about joining Goldwin Monteverde’s squad. “I am privileged to play for the best team in the UAAP [University Athletic Association of the Philippines].”
“UP has a great program in basketball and academics. To be called a scholar ng bayan and be in a great environment is important,” he said. “I am excited to play for the Fighting Maroons.”
Chicco was born in Cebu and went to Ateneo de Cebu until seventh grade after which the family migrated to the United States.
The shooting guard played for Sierra Vista High School in California where he averaged 18 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He was voted the team’s Most Valuable Player.
Briones averaged 2.0 points in 11 matches played for the Carroll College Saints in US NAIA competition.
Monteverde is excited about the prospect of seeing Briones team up with 6-foot-7 Carl Tamayo.
“He can play the guard position and create mismatches for us,” Monteverde said. “He is a very good shooter plus he started his basketball in the Philippines and he will not be surprised by the pace and physicality we play here.”
“He will be a great addition in terms of height [to our team],” he added.