James Payosing makes the big leap in his young basketball career as he parted ways with San Beda and transferred to the University of the Philippines, the school announced Thursday, March 6.

The 22-year-old Payosing, who helped the Red Lions bring home the NCAA Season 99, is set to lead the backcourt of the reigning champion Maroons in the UAAP.

UP head coach Goldwin Monteverd expressed his excitement and noted that Payosing’s addition is a big boost for the Fighting Maroons, especially when Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Janjan Felicilda, Terrence Fortea, and Reyland Torres make their farewell from collegiate duties.

"Si James yung isa sa mga magme-make sure na magko-continue lang yung laban natin even 'pag tapos na yung mga champions natin ngayon," said Monteverde. “ We are very excited to have him.”

In UP, the pride of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur will have a two-year eligibility and a one-year residency, meaning he is expecting to suit up as a Maroon in Season 89.

He will banner UP with Noy Remogat, Abadiano, Alarcon and Francis Lopez, to name a few.

Before his move, Payosing and the Red Lions failed to defend their title in Season 99, yielding to the eventual runners-up College of St. Benilde Blazers in the semifinal.

There, the 6-foot-2 guard listed 7.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest.

A season prior, Payosing, alongside Jacob Cortez, who now plays for De La Salle University, spearheaded the Red Lions to their 23rd overall and first championship in four years, beating the favorite and league-leading Mapua Cardinals in Game 3, 76-66, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

He was named as the Finals MVP after averaging 9.6 points and 12 rebounds in three-game series.