Francis Lopez expressed his gratitude to University of the Philippines (UP) as he is set to join the Fighting Eagles Nagoya in the Japan B. League.

The 21-year-old Lopez said UP will always be special to him after leading the Fighting Maroons to some memorable finishes in his two years in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

“Thank you to the UP Fighting Maroons and the UP community for the wonderful two years. I will never forget it,” Lopez said in a statement on Monday afternoon.

“UP Fight forever.”

Lopez played a major role in his two years with the Fighting Maroons. During his rookie season in 2023, he served as one of the main offensive options when the Fighting Maroons lost the title to De La Salle University before finally leading them to the title against the Green Archers in 2024.

The victory in Season 87 was a redemption for Lopez, who was met with ridicule and criticism in Game 2 after committing a late-game fumble in their 75-76 loss that tied the series at one-game apiece.

But Lopez refused to melt under pressure, dropping a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds in their 66-62 victory in Game 3 to secure the title.

UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development director Bo Perasol rallied behind Lopez, saying that he is happy to see him take his career to new heights.

“We shouldn’t be sad because what Francis did is something we should be proud of. He’s the latest proof that what we do works and our student-athletes give pride to the UP community,” Perasol said.

Despite Lopez’s departure, the Maroons will still have veterans Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Jacob Bayla, and Rey Remogat as they gun for back-to-back titles in Season 88.

Lopez joins former teammates Carl Tamayo and JD Cagulangan as well as former UP players Javi and Juan Gomez de Liaño as Asian imports in the professional leagues in Japan or Korea.