CHICAGO - It seemed like only yesterday when Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin announced at a press conference that another prized recruit was joining the storied Blue Eagles program.
That was July 26, 2021.
After sitting out a year for residency, the former Cal State Stanilsaus forward finally suited up in Season 85 and 86 in the UAAP where he quickly made a name for himself as a dependable scorer and rebounder.
And just when he was making his purposeful ascent to the top of the collegiate ranks, Kai Ballungay announced today that it was time to leave the Eagles' nest.
READ Kai Ballungay leaves Ateneo Blue Eagles' nest after two seasons
I guess we can put this development under the file "do not take anything for granted because tomorrow is never promised."
"With careful consideration as I shared in my letter, this decision was not made lightly and I'm excited to move on to the next chapter in my journey," the 22-year Fil-Am told me via text message.
His UAAP stop was a blur. Like having dinner and departing before desserts were served.
Still, he made enough impact to etch his name among Ateneo's champions roll.
According to top statistician Pong Ducanes, Ballungay accumulated 368 points, 223 rebounds and 51 assists in 34 total games with 30 starts. That's an average of 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.5 dimes a contest.
A light-footed wing with a soft touch, the 6-foot-7, 205-pound Ballungay converted 47.4 percent of his field goals.
BEYOND THE NUMBERS, KAI IS A GOOD TEAMMATE AND AN EVEN BETTER PERSON
His hasty exit surprised Ateneo, which expected him to return and be a part of the team's core for Season 87. But true to its tradition, the school did not get in the way of a player's desire to turn pro and make a livelihood.
Per multiple sources, Ballungay isn't eligible to play in either the Japan B.League or the Korean Basketball League (KBL). Which is a crying shame because he would have made an excellent Asian import.
Is he PBA or Taiwan bound?
"Nothing is set in stone yet in regards to where I'll play next season. But I'm definitely open to any or all opportunities that present themselves to me," he replied.
Ballungay is the biggest name to leave the UAAP early since Carl Tamayo orphaned the UP Fighting Maroons last January this year.
Such is the nature of the beast these days when pro leagues offer a lot of money and perks that are simply too hard for college players, regardless of economic background, to resist.
Here's wishing Kai Ballungay a fabulous pro career that many of us know he's capable of putting together.
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