Melencio, Alian commit to DLSU

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La Salle has secured the commitments of two student-athletes from their numerous high school programs.

Rhyle Melencio of La Salle-Zobel and Ethan Alian of La Salle-Greenhills made it official on Tuesday at the EcoOil Offices in Mandaluyong.

"Nung nag-commit na ako sa La Salle tumaas palahibo ko dahil hindi ako makapaniwala na natupad na yung pangarap ko since bata ako," shares Melencio. The 19-year-old adds, "I'm just really happy na my dreams are coming true and malaking bagay to para sa akin and para sa family ko."

A member of the All-UAAP Season 85 Boys Team this past season, Rhyle says, "And syempre nag papasalamat ako kay Coach Topex (Robinson) na tinulungan niya ako matupad pangarap ko."

The 6'4 forward averaged a double-double all season for the Junior Archers with 17.4 points and 14.9 rebounds.

Alian, on the other hand, says, "For me, it's a dream come true kasi yung pagiging Lasallian ko kasi since Grade 6 nandun na ako."

Ethan adds, "Yung community po doon, Coach Topex, the managers, and my teammates, I feel will be good for my development not just as a player but also as a student." He averaged 12.08 points, 5.92 rebounds, 4.31 assists, and 1.62 steals, helping steer the Greenies to the finals in NCAA Season 98.

When asked about what Alian's role with the team is, Robinson says, "He is a guy who is willing to sacrifice the limelight for the success of his teammates. If you are looking for a player who is willing to give his power away for the good of others, that's Ethan. That is the value he brings that impressed me the most."

Topex adds, "Despite it all, he is still a team player and you want that from your point guard. He still chose to make others look good. That's what a leader is."

As for Melencio, he says, "I was surprised and impressed with the way he grew and improved. His scoring and rebounding show his potential and his dedication to growing into his craft. Hindi naman yun chamba dahil ginawa niya talaga yun and that's the result of his sacrifice for his growth."

In addition, Vhoris Marasigan was present as well, reaffirming his and excitement and commitment to the Green Archers, where he will reunite with his former teammate in the University of the East, CJ Austria.

After sitting out his final eligible season with San Beda, the 6'2 shooting guard impressed in his stint with Batang Tiaong at the NBTC National Finals, where he averaged 16.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.

Robinson says, "Yung path naman ni Vhoris is different. He took one step back but two steps forward. He didn't play in the NCAA in his last year but he was able to prove his worth in the NBTC." He adds, "He showed what he can do despite playing hurt. It showed his true character. It's a blessing to have a player that has that kind of mindset."

They join Jonnel Policarpio, Isaiah Phillips, and Matthew Rubico as recent newcomers to the Green Archers basketball program.

"It's always nice to have players that want to play for you. Yun yung malaking bagay dun -- they really want to play and get a degree in La Salle," said Robinson.