MANILA — The UP Fighting Maroons will be charging into UAAP Season 87 sans another player.

This, after Cyril Gonzales announced that he will be leaving UP after suiting up for State U for two seasons

“The past few years have shown me what it’s like to be a true Fighting Maroon,” he penned on his social media account. 

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A post shared by Cyril Gonzales (@cyril_gonzales15)

“UP wasn’t just a phase but a piece of my heart. My thoughts are filled with a deep sense of respect and thankfulness as I sit here, realizing that my chapter fighting for the Maroons is coming to a close.”

The 6-foot-1 guard appeared in 12 games for UP in Season 86, with him averaging 3.2 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists while only playing 7:42 minutes per game.

He is set to return to the NCAA with the Mapua Cardinals wherein he spent his rookie year in the college ranks. In Season 95, he averaged 9.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.4 steals, just before he transferred to UP during the pandemic.

The 23-year-old will now be reuniting with Randy Alcantara in Intramuros after six years, but he will be leaving UP with nothing but appreciation for his brothers in Katipunan.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who allowed their story to become a part of mine,” he said.

“To my teammates and coaches, who equally shared passion for the game, and being my second family, I will always be indebted. Despite all the highs and lows, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to become part of the rich history of a prestigious university.”

“Everyone’s togetherness has made all the difference, and for that, I will always be grateful,” he continued.

He is expected to serve a year of residency just before he will be eligible to play. 

• UP-bound Hubilla has change of heart, commits to Letran: sources
• UAAP: Luis Pablo leaves UP for La Salle
• UAAP: Jared Bahay's new home is Ateneo

Gonzales will be the fourth Maroon who has opted to push through with their collegiate journey outside UP, with Jared Bahay and Chris Hubilla previously decommitting to play for Ateneo and Letran, respectively, and Luis Pablo deciding to transfer to La Salle.

Meanwhile, La Salle big man Jonnel Policarpio has opted to stay in Taft Avenue after it was initially reported that he will be transferring to Mapua.

Policarpio himself also dispelled that he will be going to Letran.