WHAT’S in store for La Salle in the next UAAP wars?
The Green Archers bid goodbye to two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao, one-and-done point guard Lian Ramiro and veteran Josh David after their Game 3 Finals loss last Sunday to the Fighting Maroons of University of the Philippines.
But the journey of the Green Archers in the post-Quiambao era is not expected to take a dip since the squad is expected to have a loaded roster with the arrival of big man Mason Amos, guards Jacob Cortez and Kean Baclaan, and forward Luis Pablo.
That should keep the ‘animo’ burning in the team.
Serving their residency the past season, Amos transferred to La Salle from Ateneo, Cortez from the NCAA Season 99 champions San Beda University, Baclaan from National University and Pablo from UP.
The quartet led the La Salle Team-B two weeks ago in copping the PGFlex Linoleum Invitational Tournament crown, with the 6-foot-7 Amos crowned as the Finals MVP.
“There are guys coming in and sabi ko nga, it’s nice to see the future of the program is still gonna be exciting. You know, having those guys coming in so that’s something to look forward to and be excited about Season 88,” La Salle coach Topex Robinson said.
Robinson, aside from expressing his gratitude to Quiambao, looked forward to the company of David and Ramiro as they try to lead the Archers to glory next season.
“Josh, obviously, [he] was here for six years, iyong sinerve niya [for La Salle], also, Lian’s contribution and we just thanked them. Sabi ko nga it’s as painful as this is, I mean, we will learn from this. In the next two weeks, it’s gonna be preparation for Season 88 for us,” the 49-year-old mentor said.
“We’re excited about it and iyon lang, I mean, it’s– as long as we know in our hearts that we gave our best, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. We played it until the final buzzer and we did it the way a true La Sallian should do it. We just kept on fighting.”
Aside from big man Mike Phillips who said he would stay put and play his final year, the Green Archers will also look to up-and-coming Doy Dungo, Vhoris Marasigan and Henry Agunnane in Quiambao-less La Salle next year.
“Obviously, the legacy that KQ brought with us, it’s really something that we’re so grateful sa kanya. But moving forward, sabi nga naming, it’s part of basketball, you don’t always win but you’ll learn from it. It’s gonna keep our fire alive and it’s just gonna keep on burning,” Robinson said.
