THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons may have missed out on another rising star as Luis Pablo is expected to leave the squad and return to his former community, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
Pablo earned the NCAA Season 98 Juniors Season MVP before joining UP. He averaged 15.7 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game for La Salle Greenhills, which did not win the championship match.
He had an incredible NCAA Juniors run but played for only a few minutes for someone coming off an MVP season. He averaged 1.5 points and 1.8 rebounds for UP.
According to recent rumors, Pablo has been missing UP team sessions during the offseason. With Pablo playing 9:09 minutes a game, he may have pondered doing a U-turn and exploring his options.
The Taft-based team would provide brighter pastures for the 6-ft-7 forward. Given that La Salle was able to secure the services of top-tier players immediately after winning the Season 86 championship, it seems appealing to join them.
Once his return is official, Pablo will join top-tier playmakers Jacob Cortez and Kean Baclaan, both of whom have a La Salle background, as the squad’s upcoming Season 88 stars.
Photo Courtesy: Tiebreaker Times
Pablo was supposed to be part of the UP’s community’s future lineup along with Seven Gagate and Joshua Coronel, according to UP’s Bo Perasol, who recruited the players.
Aside from Pablo, San Beda Red Cubs standout guard Chris Hubilla has decommitted to UP and will instead play for the Letran Knights. This is the same situation with top high-school talent Jared Bahay, who has committed to Ateneo.
However, with Pablo’s departure, the Fighting Maroons’ frontcourt will be forced to rely on long floor spreader Mark Belmonte, Sean Alter, and incoming recruit Gani Stevens, who has served a one-year residency.
UP also has two new commitments on the way this summer, with Fil-American standout Miguel Yniguez and University of the East guard Rey Remogat set to make their debuts after completing their residency year.
Despite continuous player recruitment, the Diliman-based club has lost several excellent players. However, their lineup remains intact and will be boosted once their players are ready.
