A few months removed since La Salle star Kevin Quiambao moved on to the pros, the Green Archers now lean on a formidabble backcourt of Jacob Cortez and Kean Baclaan.
La Salle was left with big shoes to fill, with two-time UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao moving on to the pros after the Green Archers’ stinging Season 87 Finals loss to the UP Fighting Maroons.
A generational talent, it is unlikely to find a replacement for a player like Quiambao so quickly.
But for La Salle, it wasn’t necessarily a lost cause, especially with multiple blue-chip recruits heading into the UAAP roster this coming Season 88 — including guards Jacob Cortez and Kean Baclaan.
After combining for 51 points in a big preseason win over rivals UP on Saturday, Cortez and Baclaan showed their mettle as they look to be the next go-to guys for the Green Archers.
[READ: Jacob Cortez, La Salle outgun UP in high-scoring FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup match]
For head coach Topex Robinson, it wasn’t just about the duo's scoring, but rather how they approached the game with vigor and no fear in their minds. With a goal of redeeming themselves, Robinson believes that the answer lies in his backcourt.
“What we lacked last season was really a point guard, point guard. You know. It’s gonna be [Jacob Cortez] and Kean [Baclaan] really making sure that they’re gonna keep the ship intact. We give them a lot of opportunity talaga to really decide games for us,” Robinson said, after they beat UP 106-99.
“[It was] Kean during the AsiaBasket was the one, a few of Jacob also. So it’s just gonna be a matter of you know, guys really taking [the lead]. Sabi ko nga, yung walang takot to really take that responsibility,” he added.
Even before putting on their La Salle jerseys, both Cortez and Baclaan were already known for their gutsy plays and their competitive spirit. Going into their new roles in La Salle, Robinson believes they already have what it takes.
The Green Archers are just along for the ride — and happy to be on it.
“I guess, [it’s nice,] having these two guys who are proven winners, in their own respective ways. So it’s just gonna be nice to have those options,” said Robinson.
“This is gonna be a long season, a lot of things would happen, so, having a lot of options to really takeover is just a blessing for us coming this season.”
At the moment, La Salle is 2-0 at the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup. The Green Archers were the first to blemish UP’s record, who are now 2-1.