Colby Vazquez Commits to UE, Sets Sights on UAAP Final Four

The UE Red Warriors have landed the commitment of California-raised guard Colby Vazquez for UAAP Season 89.

Vazquez, a one-and-done prospect, confirmed his decision in an exclusive interview, explaining that UE’s culture and the attitude of its players convinced him that the program was the right destination.

“What made me decide to commit to UE was the culture and type of teammates we have,” Vazquez said. “We’re a very hungry team that plays for each other, and that’s the kind of team I’ve always wanted to be a part of. I really believe in what we’re building here, and I’m excited to be part of it.”

The 6-foot-1 guard brings four seasons of US collegiate experience to Recto, having played two years each for Skyline College in California and the University of Jamestown in North Dakota.

Vazquez graduated from Mills High School in Millbrae, California, in 2019 before beginning his college career at Skyline. He established himself as a productive guard, starting all 27 games and averaging 14.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists during the 2019-20 season.

He returned to Skyline for the 2021-22 campaign and posted 12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Vazquez led the Trojans in scoring during both seasons and earned All-Conference recognition twice.

Vazquez graduated magna cum laude with an associate degree in Business Administration and was named Northern California’s top men’s basketball student-athlete by the California Community College Men’s Basketball Coaches Association in 2022.

Vazquez subsequently received a scholarship to continue his career at Jamestown, which competed in the NAIA and the Great Plains Athletic Conference during his time with the program.

After averaging 5.1 points in a reserve role during his junior season, Vazquez took a leap in his final year. He averaged 12.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 23 minutes per game while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from three-point range.

The Red Warriors publicly unveiled Vazquez during their preseason preparations. He was among the players who led UE in a 95-87 tune-up victory over College of Saint Benilde on August 20.

Vazquez said the transition to his new environment has been made easier by the support he has received from the organization.

“My experience at UE has been great,” he said. “My coaches and teammates have been super supportive and welcoming since the day I met them. They’ve done a great job of helping me adjust, feel comfortable, and prepare for the upcoming UAAP season. I’m extremely grateful for how they’ve welcomed me into the team.”

His combination of experience, perimeter shooting, secondary playmaking, and willingness to operate in different roles gives UE another mature option in its backcourt. More importantly for Vazquez, his arrival is about contributing to a larger objective.

“This season I’m looking to do whatever it takes to help our team reach the Final Four,” Vazquez said. “We have a great group of coaches, players, and community supporting us. I’m blessed to be a part of this team, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together this season.”