Ateneo's Gab Gomez against Adamson. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University will have another one of its key cogs depart from the Blue Eagles’ nest.

This, after veteran guard Gab Gomez announced on social media that he will now be leaving the Tab Baldwin-mentored team to "move forward" with his basketball career.

“As I’m writing this message, I find myself with bittersweet emotions. It hurts to let you know that my journey as a Blue Eagle ends and I will be moving forward with my basketball journey,” the one-time UAAP champion penned on his social media account.

Gomez spent three seasons donning Ateneo’s Blue and White and won a title with them in Season 85. 

“I grew up in a small city in Italy where basketball became a huge part of my life. I dreamt like every other kid, and mine was to simply play in the Philippines. A dream that became a reality in 2020 when I was recruited by Ateneo,” he said.

The Filipino-Italian cager, however, had to sit out a number of games in Season 86 after he suffered a wrist injury that sidelined him for a bunch of their assignments.

He only normed 2.5 points, an assist, 0.4 rebounds, and 0.2 steals while playing 7:36 minutes in 10 games, but he was still grateful for the time that he spent in Katipunan. 

“Though my time in Ateneo did not end like how I expected, I still see it as a blessing that I was part of something special,” said Gomez. “It was still a dream come true.”

“To my teammates, it was a pleasure playing alongside all of you. Thank you for welcoming me, for all the memories, the joys, and tears, but especially for treating me like a brother,” he continued. 

“I won't stop supporting the school, the program, and my brothers. I'm confident that the team will continue to have success and I'm already excited to cheer for them.”

Gomez joins Joe Obasa, Kai Ballungay, JM Credo, and Jared Brown as the Blue Eagles who have made their exit following the conclusion of this year’s men’s basketball tournament.

Fortunately for them, a prized recruit is on the way in the form of Jared Bahay.