By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The reigning UAAP Men’s Basketball tournament kings De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers aren’t done with their star-studded backcourt haul.
After landing former San Beda University superstar Jacob Cortez, the Green Archers added more firepower to their already talented roster when they secured the commitment of Kean Baclaan confirmed last February 3, 2024.
Baclaan, the former star floor general of the National University (NU) Bulldogs, completed his transfer to DLSU and is ready to run the show wearing the green and white.
Known for his steady game and unorthodox ways of scoring the leather, Baclaan already made a name for himself when he led the Bulldogs to two straight Final Four UAAP appearances.
Baclaan immediately let his presence felt during his rookie year and averaged 8.36 points, 4.21 assists, 3.43 rebounds, and 1.64 steals per contest.
In just seven months, Baclaan quickly raised his numbers during his sophomore year and tallied 10.73 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.53 rebounds per game.
However, the DLSU community will have to wait for a year as Baclaan will have to serve his one-year residency as part of the UAAP rules.
Together with Cortez who is also a new recruit, the spitfire backcourt tandem will be available to play for the Green Archers in the UAAP Season 88.
DLSU began its off-season point guard recruitment when their main ball handlers, Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy, already played out their final eligible senior year.
With their departure, the duo of Cortez and Baclaan are expected to fill their shoes once they don the green and white jersey of DLSU.
