Mike Phillips gives pep talk to his teammates Matthew Rubico, Vhoris Marasigan and Doy Dungo after DLSU lost to UP in Game 3 of the UAAP men’s basketball Finals. UAAP photo
La Salle stays upbeat
THERE is still an upbeat feeling for La Salle as it tries to pick up the pieces from last year’s Finals setback to University of the Philippines in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
The Green Archers’ redemption campaign for Season 88 will also be bolstered by transferees set to fill the void left by Kevin Quiambao, Joshua David and Liam Ramiro.
Among those who have committed playing for La Salle are ex-Ateneo stalwart Mason Amos, former San Beda standout Jacob Cortez and erstwhile National University guard Kean Baclaan.
Cortez was part of the Red Lions’ NCAA champion team in 2023, while Amos played for a season with the Blue Eagles on the same year. Meanwhile, Baclaan suited up for the Bulldogs for two seasons.
While serving their residencies, Amos, Cortez and Baclaan helped the Green Archers in winning a preseason title at the expense of the Fighting Maroons last month.
“There’s those guys that are coming in, and sabi ko nga, it’s nice to see the future of the program is still exciting. Having those guys coming in is something to look forward to and be excited about for Season 88,” said La Salle coach Topex Robinson.
Despite the defeat to UP, Robinson was satisfied on how La Salle’s younger players handled the pressure of their UAAP Finals debut.
Robinson expressed confidence that the experience in their first championship series would fuel the growth of Doy Dungo, Vhoris Marasigan and Nigerian center Henry Agunanne as they prepare for the new season.
“It’s just nice to see the guys that are moving on for Season 88, like Doy, si Vhoris, you know, even Henry. Those are the things that will ignite the fire in them. Obviously, the legacy that KQ brought with us is really something that we’re so grateful for,” Robinson said.
“But moving forward, sabi nga namin, it’s part of basketball. You don’t always win, but you learn from it. It’s gonna keep our fire alive, and it’s just gonna keep on burning,” he added.
Quiambao has decided to forego his college eligibility to turn pro in the Korean Basketball League while David has completed his playing years for the Green Archers. Ramiro has just concluded his one-and-done season with La Salle, having played his first three years at Colorado State-Pueblo before transferring to University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
The two-time MVP encouraged those who will return next season to push even further.
“I’m so proud of my team. Win or lose, blame it on me. Ako may kasalanan sa lahat ng ito. I take ownership sa lahat ng ginawa ko. Sobrang proud kasi nakarating kami ng Finals decider Game 3. It’s a surreal feeling for me and the whole team,” said Quiambao.
“Medyo kinapos pero babawi sila,” he added.
