Ateneo lifer Kristian Porter leaves Blue Eagles’ nest after one year with the senior team in UAAP Season 87.
Kristian Porter announced his departure from Ateneo in pursuit of “personal growth,” playing just one year with the Blue Eagles in the seniors division in UAAP Season 87.
Porter, 19, informed Ateneo team manager Epok Quimpo of his exit on Monday.
According to the 6-foot-5 forward, it was a decision that had to do about him not just as a basketball player, but as a whole, where he also cited some struggles academically which he needed to address.
“This was a really tough decision. I spent my elementary years at Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu before moving to Ateneo de Manila for high school and college. Ateneo has always been home to me, but I had to make this choice — even if I don’t have concrete plans yet on where I’ll go next,” said Porter.
“I believe it’s a necessary step for my personal growth.”
During his freshman year, Porter normed 6.57 points and 6.86 rebounds in 14 games, which showed his tremendous potential.
Prior to college, he also earned Mythical Team citations twice in his two years of high school competition with Ateneo de Manila.
Now, though, he believes that a change of environment is imminent, not because of any discontentment, but in pursuit of something bigger than just basketball.
“There’s no discontentment at all,” he clarified. “I’m just looking for personal growth and a change of scenery. That’s really what this is about.”
He also clarified that he hasn’t decided just yet on where to go next.
“I haven’t talked to any school,” he said. “Right now, I just need to rest. It’s been a long year — physically, mentally, and emotionally.”