Lopez announced that he will be staying put in Katipunan despite being offered to train abroad together with Kai Sotto.

The Blue Eaglet highflyer considered his studies his priority as of current despite the opportunity that was given to him.

“Wala pong substitute ang magandang education because I believe that for me to be able to be the best, I need the most important aspect — intelligence.” Lopez shared.

“For me, it was a good move,” Padrigao on Lopez’s decision.

“Tama ‘yung sinabi niya na gusto niya muna ng diploma, which is a good decision naman talaga,” he added.

Despite being surprised on his move, Padrigao and Lazaro lauded their junior for how mature he is when he stressed out the importance of knowledge.

“Also, may binanggit siya na yung the best power is intelligence. Coming from him, nagulat ako na, ‘Wow! Ganito pala mag-isip si Lebron.’ Kumbaga nagma-mature na siya. I was surprised, at may bubuga pala yung bata namin dito.” Padriago said.

“Nakaka-proud lang kasi he’s thinking long-term at hindi lang siya naka-focus sa basketball. Hearing that from someone as young as him, nakaka-proud na ganun siya mag-isip,” Lazaro added.

With two more years left on Lopez’s junior basketball career, his teammates do not want him to make rash decisions and let him enjoy his ride.

“Hindi ko siya pipilitin. Sasabihin ko lang sa kanya kung ano yung makakatulong sa iyo at sa pamilya mo, doon ka pumunta. Ayoko pilitin yung mga bagay na makakatulong sa isang tao,” said Padrigao.

Head Coach Tab Baldwin hinted that they wanted the Fil-Angolan to enter Ateneo’s program in the future. 

However, the young basketball star has a lot of work to do inside and outside the court according to the head coach.

“It’s exciting to see him continue with the Blue and White,” Baldwin said.

“But there’s no point in pressuring Lebron, and there’s plenty of time for those things to evolve. He is still a very young kid. So I want him to enjoy his time and be a better basketball player, student, and person,” he added.