WITH no guarantees of earning playing time in the future, RC Calimag has decided to move out of University of the Philippines.

Thinking that self-growth is a must, the 6-foot-1 Calimag has committed to transfer to San Beda yesterday.

It was some sort of a homecoming for Calimag, who was part of the Red Cubs before while his father Ricky suited up with the Red Lions in the late 90s and 2000.

Calimag made his commitment to San Beda coach Yuri Escueta and team manager Jude Roque.

There are no hard feelings for Calimag in his choice to leave the Fighting Maroons, where he won a UAAP men’s basketball championship last May.

“Yung pagalis ko sa UP, it’s nothing personal. It’s part of my growth as a player,” Calimag said. “Alam naman natin na sobrang loaded ng UP in every position pero kailangan ko rin hanapin yung self ko as a player. Gusto mo rin magblossom as a player.”

In his second season with the Fighting Maroons, Calimag played 14 games, averaging only 1.29 points and 1.79 rebounds in 5.42 minutes of action. His UAAP career-high was 10 points in UP’s 96-67 win over University of Santo Tomas in Season 84 on April 28, 2022.

The excitement is there for Calimag to bring his wares to the Red Lions, who failed to reach the Finals in the two NCAA men’s basketball tournaments last year.

“San Beda, galing ako diyan e, I played there from Grade 6 to Grade 10. Home is where the heart is. Mas na-feel ko na dun ako mag-shine and blossom as a player,” said Calimag.

“Coach Yuri also assured me that he will maximize yung kaya ko ibigay. I just want to play,” he added.

Having Calimag is a boost to the Red Lions’ offense, especially that they are looking for some spark in the future.

“Having a talent like RC would be a boost to our program. RC is coming from a winning program like UP and what I’m hearing about him is his dedication to his craft and great attitude. He would be a big part of what we are trying to build in San Beda,” said Escueta.

Calimag, 21, has played in the NCAA juniors for CSB-La Salle Greenhills.