KEAN Baclaan is leaving La Salle after just one playing year.
The flamboyant guard has decided to turn pro, as he is set to play for Caloocan in the upcoming new season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
Sources close to the situation bared that Baclaan bade the Green Archers farewell on Wednesday, sharing the difficult decision, as he focuses on providing for his family.
It was the first time that Baclaan has showed up since La Salle resumed practice - and it, as it turned out, would be his last as he opted to turn pro.
Coach Topex Robinson wasted no time paying tribute to his ward, stating: "Thank you for the heart, grit, and pride you gave DLSU."
"You played with purpose, you won a championship the right way, and you leave as a champion in every sense. Wishing you nothing but success in the next chapter."
Kean's eventful one-and-done season
Baclaan had an up-and-down year in his lone year in Taft, averaging 10.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds.
He had to deal with an MCL injury midway through UAAP Season 88, but got back just in time to help the green-and-white in its title drive, one that ultimately led to the championship after beating the University of the Philippines in three games.
He still had one playing season left, but in foregoing his final year, that puts more spotlight on Jacob Cortez, Doy Dungo, and incoming first-year guard Mikey Cortez to take care of playmaking duties for La Salle come Season 89.
Before transferring, he suited up for two years for National U in the seniors division following stints with San Sebastian and De La Salle Zobel in the juniors.
Joining Caloocan is nothing new for Baclaan, as he played for the franchise's Junior MPBL team and even put up 50 points for the Batang Kankaloo.
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