KAI Ballungay is leaving the Ateneo Blue Eagles after two UAAP seasons.
The high-flying Blue Eagles forward, who led the team in scoring in Season 86 with 11.38 points per game, penned his farewell note to Ateneo on Monday afternoon.
“With strong feelings of excitement, I wish to share that I will be embarking on the next chapter of my journey — transitioning to the world of professional basketball.
“The decision to pursue this path was not made lightly whatsoever, and I am glad to bring with me the invaluable experiences and lessons I have gained during my time at Ateneo,” Ballungay said.
Ballungay's gratitude to Tab, fellow Blue Eagles
Upon thanking the team's 'hardest working group' of coaches and management, Ballungay thanked Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin and his fellow 'Blue Eagle Band of Brothers' for everything they've done for and given to him on and off the court.
"Thank you (Coach Tab Baldwin) for teaching me what it means to be a student of the game and for illustrating what true basketball is supposed to look and feel like. Thank you for preaching to us the value of knowledge and what steps it takes to turn that knowledge into wisdom.
"Thank you for being my biggest critic and for pushing me to be the best version of myself as a player and as a young man in society. Thank you for showing me what it takes to be a champion and how to be a man for others (...) I’m so blessed to have had the opportunity to play for you, love you coach," Ballungay said.
"To my brothers, I truly am nothing without you. The bonds we have formed over the past two years goo far beyond the confines of the basketball court.
"Thank you for welcoming me into the brotherhood and for sharing the blood, sweat, and tears it took to be champions last year. Through victory and through defeat, the camaraderie we have forged through the countless hours of training have created lifelong memories that I will always cherish and hold on to for as long as I live. I am grateful to forever be part of the Blue Eagles Band of Brothers. I love you all so very much," he adedd.
After a title-winning Season 85 campaign and a playoff run in his sophomore season with Ateneo, Ballungay has now opted to take flight and explore his options in the pro ranks.
Having played the second-most minutes for the Blue Eagles this season (427:22 total mins.; 26:42 mpg), the 6-foot-7 Fil-American ace also posted 7.88 rebounds, 2.13 assists, and 0.75 steals in his UAAP swan song — one which saw Ateneo end its championship reign in the Final Four at the hands of twice-to-beat University of the Philippines.
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