Titan agency made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon saying the Green Archers were able to win the commitment of 6-foot-7 big man Raven Cortez.

“I have understood the responsibility of wearing a La Salle jersey since I was in Grade 7,” said Cortez. “From its winning tradition, its culture, and what it truly represents.”

The Grade 12 athlete missed the chance to play during UAAP Season 82 Boys’ Basketball tournament as he was still recuperating from an MCL injury he sustained in Season 81.

In just three matches played during Season 81, he averaged 9.3 points and 8.7 rebounds.

The native of Dagupan, Pangasinan was a pivotal part of the previous cycle of Gilas Youth, playing in 2018 U16 Asian, 2018 U17 Worlds, and 2018 U18 Asian FIBA tournaments.

Cortez will be eligible for Season 84 and will be joining the new recruits Kevin Quiambao and Jonnel Policarpio in forming the team’s young frontline.

“Excited ako but I’m focused on getting back. At least, nakapag-commit na ko for a college. Very excited to play with them.”

Meanwhile, 6-foot-8 Quiambao expresses enthusiasm as he gets to form a twin tower duo with 6-foot-7 Cortez.

“Super excited ako dahil matagal pa kami magsasama! Imagine, dating kalaban ko lang, magiging kakampi ko na. Exciting talaga,” said Quiambao.

The former Nazareth School of National University standout reminisces about the match against De La Salla-Zobel where Cortez played.

“Actually, wala na ako maalala sa game na nilaro namin ‘yun pero ang naaalala ko talaga yung disappointment ko ng araw na ‘yun,” the 19-year-old added.

Despite winning the game, Quiambao felt sadden when just three minutes into that game, Cortez fell down on the court of the Filoil Flying V Centre where he suffered an MCL tear.

Quiambao also expressed his disappointment during the January 23, 2019 match where it was supposed to be Cortez’s breakout season yet it became the last time Cortez would play in an organized game.

Being away from the court for almost two years, Cortez knows that it will take a long time to find his old form back. Luckily for him, Quiambao promised to help him out in this long process.

“Handa akong tulungan siya and ibahagi yung skills na binigay ni Lord sa akin. Ako din, makikinig din ako sa kanya kung ano yung willing niyang ibahagi sa akin.”

“Excited din ako dahil magiging magka-batch kami,” said Cortez. “Looking forward talaga ako to playing with him.”