KEAN Baclaan is set to make the switch to 'greener pastures' as he joins UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball champions De La Salle Green Archers.
After closing his two-year stint with National University last month, the ace guard gave a subtle yet resounding confirmation on his next destination.
“Animo,” said Baclaan.
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The former Bulldogs guard becomes the second high-profile playmaker after ex-San Beda standout and NCAA Season 99 champion Jacob Cortez to join the Taft squad in a span of two-months since La Salle’s recent title romp.
Upon completing their one-year residency before suiting up in Season 88, Baclaan and Cortez' soon-to-be backcourt duo is expected to fill the void left by champion guards Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy who have both maxed out their UAAP eligibility after winning the Season 86 title.
Baclaan's forthcoming move to La Salle is a special move for the 21-year-old ace in more ways than one.
It will be a grand homecoming for Baclaan, who began his high school basketball career at De La Salle Zobel and will now get the chance to finish his college career with the Green Archers.
Bar an early move for the reigning UAAP MVP elsewhere between now and Season 88, Baclaan will also team up with his childhood friend and fellow Bayanan, Muntinlupa native Kevin Quiambao in what would be the latter's fourth year of UAAP eligibility — should he still remain with the Taft side by then.
After a brief stay with University of Sto. Tomas, Baclaan went on to be an integral centerpiece in NU's back-to-back bronze medal finishes.
In what turned out to be his last dance with the Bulldogs, he recorded the team's second-best average statline of 10.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists (fifth-best overall) with 24:50 minutes played per game — second-most for NU behind its leading scorer Jake Figueroa.
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