Julius Armon Decided To Skip College Basketball, Plans To Enter D-league

The reigning back-to-back NCAA champions, the San Beda College Red Lions, have returned from their annual summer training in the United States. Unfortunately, they're back in the Philippines sans one key player.

Fil-Am recruit Julius Armon, who would have become eligible to play in the upcoming 88th season of the NCAA, opted instead to stay in Los Angeles, head coach Ronnie Magsanoc confirmed via text message.

"Julius Armon decided to...skip college basketball and try his luck in the D-League come October," texted Magsanoc, who just took over for Frankie Lim at the start of April.

The 6'3" swingman looked like a game-changer for the Red Lions during his residency year, with his slashing skills and a versatile game that allowed him to man three positions on the floor.

He helped the Red Lions win a third straight Father Martin Open Cup title last February, and in the on-going FilOil Flying V Pre-season Tournament, leads the team with 12.4 points in 21.6 minutes, along with four rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals.

Armon's exit leaves the Red Lions with a hole in their shooting guard spot. Undersized Ryusei Koga may seem more minutes as a catch-and-shoot threat, while the team could also go with rookie Richie Villacruz, a graduate of La Salle Greenhills. Other options include former Red Cub Van Abatayo, or JP Mendoza, who missed last season due to health concerns.

The team may also trot out point guards Anjo Caram and Baser Amer together on the floor more often.

San Beda looks to keep their record immaculate in the FilOil when they play the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Arena. Win or lose however, they've clinched the number one seed in Group A, and are slated to face the College of Saint Benilde Blazers in the crossover quarterfinals.

Armon was served a year-long ban as a spectator for his role in a brawl last December by the NCAA. That ban would have gone away when he formally applied to be part of the team's upcoming season 88 roster, though he would have drawn a suspension, similar to his active teammates.

source: GMA News