Kean Baclaan’s Taft journey comes to an end as the champion guard waves goodbye to La Salle, capping his lone year with Green Archers with a UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball title.
Kean Baclaan’s short but sweet journey in Taft has officially come to an end.
A month after helping the DLSU Green Archers reclaimed the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball championship, Baclaan announced his departure from the school through a heartfelt social media post on Wednesday, January 28.
In his message, the 22-year-old guard expressed deep gratitude to his teammates and coaches, describing La Salle as his “dream school” ever since he first set foot on campus.
“I will truly miss our bond as a team, the college life, the bonding moments, the challenges every practice, and even the arguments we had during practice,” Baclaan wrote.
Before his controversial move to join La Salle in 2024, Baclaan spent two years with the NU Bulldogs, averaging 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
He had to sit out Season 87 due to a one-year transfer rule but returned for an up-and-down Season 88, ultimately helping the Green Archers capture the title in dramatic fashion.
[RELATED: La Salle reclaims UAAP men’s basketball crown after dethroning UP in Game 3 thriller]
Baclaan battled an MCL injury midway through the opening round, but returned just in time to play a key role in Green Archers thrilling Finals series against modern-day rivals UP Fighting Maroons—a back-and-forth affair that went the distance.
“My two years in La Salle were more than worth it because they changed my life. I learned so much during my time here, not only about basketball but also about life itself. I am extremely thankful to the people around me who guided me throughout my college journey,” he said.
Reflecting on the championship, Baclaan shared, “Despite everything I went through the entire season, my injury and all the struggles, I never thought I would be the one to take the last shot before winning the championship.”
Looking ahead, Baclaan remains undecided on his next team, but his pride in ending his UAAP career on such a high note is unmistakable.
“As of now, there is still no final decision on which team I will be joining, but wherever I go, I will always carry the Lasallian spirit with me. ANIMO!”
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.