De La Salle University landed another elite talent as Luis Pablo expressed his commitment to join following a forgettable season with University of the Philippines in Season 86 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
In a statement, the 6-foot-7 slotman expressed his desire to join the reigning champion in which he has to sit out in Season 87 before finally seeing action in Season 88 of the country’s most prestigious collegiate league.
Moving to La Salle was a no-brainer for the 19-year-old Pablo.
After all, he led La Salle Greenhills to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 98 juniors title in which he also emerged as the Most Valuable Player.
Pablo said returning to La Salle will allow him to unlock his potential under the mentorship of Topex Robinson.
“I also like to show what I can do. I am so excited to get the chance to display my talent and help La Salle win another championship,” Pablo, who will be the second former NCAA MVP from LSGH to play for the Green Archers after Prince Rivero, said.
“I will work hard to surpass the expectations on me — both by the public and myself.”
After leading the Greenies to the NCAA finals, Pablo pulled off a stunner when he joined the Fighting Maroons in the UAAP together with teammates Seven Gagate and Joshua Coronel.
But he had a forgettable stint at UP as he averaged only 1.5 points and 1.75 rebounds in just nine minutes of action in 16 games as he had to play behind 6-foot-11 Malick Diouf.
With that, he found his way back home by joining the Green Archers, who are fresh from winning the title following a dramatic victory over the Fighting Maroons.
“I am from La Salle and I am already familiar with the culture here,” said Pablo, who is expected to beef up the Green Archers’ frontline in Season 88 since it will be the final year of Mike Phillips while Raven Cortez and Henry Agunnane will be in their fourth year.
Aside from Pablo, also becoming eligible for La Salle in Season 88 will be former San Beda University hotshot Raven Cortez and former National University floor general Kean Baclaan.
“I’m so excited to be their teammate, it’s something I haven’t experienced. It’s gonna be exciting.”
