MANILA, Philippines – Former University of the Philippines Maroons swingman JR Gallarza will graduate the university as Magna Cum Laude thanks to his performance in the classroom.
Gallarza, a transferee from De La Salle University, played his final UAAP season of eligibility in 2015.
According to a report by ABS-CBN Sports, the 23-year-old majored in Education Teaching in Early Grades and is now working in Canada, where his son resides, as a “program director for the YMCA that helps on after-school programs for kindergarten students.”
The report also indicates that Gallarza’s unsure if he can make it back to the Philippines in time for graduation.
“… it feels really comforting to have that solidified that I am graduating with honors from the school that I love thats given so much to me, yeah its amazing,” Gallarza was quoted in the report.
The standout student-athlete played 4 years for the Maroons with averages of 5.2 points and 4.1 rebounds a game, per pba-online.net.
UP had its most successful campaign in recent history during Gallarza's final season as it went 3-11. – Rappler.com