La Salle secures Luis Pablo transfer

c/o John Mauricio

Luis Pablo has decided to return to the roost.

The NCAA Season 98 Juniors Basketball Most Valuable Player has transferred to La Salle after spending his freshman campaign at the University of the Philippines.

According to the nineteen-year-old, he opted to portal over because he felt that could fulfill his potential under head coach Topex Robinson.

Pablo shares, "Gusto ko rin ipakita kung ano pa yung mga kaya kong gawin. Nakaka-excite na mabibigyan ako ng chance na mas maipakita yun."

He adds, "Sisiguraduhin ko lang na talagang mapapakita ko at hihigitan ko pa yung mga expectations ng mga tao, mas lalo na sa sarili ko."

In what would be his only season in Diliman, Luis averaged 1.5 points and 1.75 rebounds on just over nine minutes of action.

Looking to grow further both as a student and an athlete, he immediately tried to find his way back home to the green and white.

With the transfer in place, La Salle team official Awoo Lacson shares, "First of all, we’re very very excited that he’s considering coming back to De La Salle. He’s one of our sons in our La Salle program and we want them back. We want them to play for us. We want to win with them. It’s our commitment to help them become winners."

He also notes, "I think Luis’ abilities cannot be measured at this point. He is full of potential. He will be able to mature to become a very dependable veteran. I think he’s going to help our program be successful for the years to come."

Pablo may leave his former La Salle-Greenhills teammates Seven Gagate and Joshua Coronel behind, but he will be reunited with his fellow Greenies Rocco Zamora, Ethan Alian, and Santi Romero in Taft.

The forward will also join Prince Rivero as LSGH alums who earned MVP nods to play in the senior ranks at DLSU.

Ultimately, it was in Pablo’s destiny to find his way back to La Salle.

He says, "Tiwala ako sa plano ni Lord sa akin. Pinakinggan ko talaga yung family ko — yung mother ko at yung father ko. Tingin din nila na makakabuti ito sa akin."

Luis also believes that he won't have to make major adjustments by transferring. "Galing naman ako sa La Salle kaya hindi na rin bago sa akin yung culture dito."

Pablo will sit out the upcoming season for the Green Archers, as they make their title defense this year. He will join recent transferees Jacob Cortez and Kean Baclaan in Season 88. The three look to become key pieces in what would be Mike Phillips' final season, backstopped by both Raven Cortez and foreign student-athlete Henry Agunnane.

Luis is stoked to be alongside his soon-to-be backcourt teammates. "Sobrang nakaka-excite maging kakampi sila hindi ko pa na-experience eh," he said. "Magiging exciting. Talagang excited na rin ako."

Melencio, Alian commit to DLSU

DLSU's latest commits

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.

Letran hopes to clinch NCAA HS title

Game Thursday at the San Andres Sports Complex

2:30 p.m. – La Salle-Greenhills vs Letran

Letran hopes to end a 22-year title drought in the high school basketball scene, as they face off on Thursday afternoon for Game 2 of the NCAA Season 98 finals at the San Andres Sports Complex.

The Squires defeated La Salle-Greenhills in Game 1, 85-81, behind the efforts of Syrex Silorio and Andy Gemao.

The latter shared to the media after the game, "Masaya kami pero hindi pa tapos ang championship. Marami po kaming lessons na napulot sa laro ngayon.  Tulad po ng kung paano po kami maging composed sa maraming crowd kasi lahat po kami rookie."

Silorio had a career day against the Greenies with 27 points and seven rebounds while also battling the NBTC All-Star duo of Luis Pablo and Seven Gagate. Gemao contributed a double-double for the cause with 21 points and fourteen rebounds. Also an NBTC All-Star, the guard added five assists and three steals.

When asked about what lies ahead for this one, Andy says, "Inaabangan ko po talaga yung twin towers po. Siguro po may gagawin silang adjustments.  Nasa amin na din po iyon kung paano namin hihigpitan yung depensa namin."

LSGH is hoping to channel its survival instinct much like in their semifinal encounter against San Beda, overcoming a twice-to-beat disadvantage to emerge victorious.

Game 2 will be aired LIVE on GTV and also streamed through the NCAA's social media platforms. The third and deciding game, if necessary, will take place on Monday, same time and venue.

Squires take Game 1

Game Thursday at the San Andres Sports Complex
2:30 p.m. – La Salle-Greenhills vs Letran

Letran moved closer to ending a 22-year title drought on Monday afternoon, emerging as 85-81 winners over La Salle-Greenhills in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 98 High School basketball finals at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.

The Squires rode on their sustained runs that allowed them to not only overcome a double-digit deficit, but also breaking the game open late.

After a Luis Pablo bucket to give the Greenies the lead at 72-70 with 7:11 left, Letran went on a 15-4 run to establish a 85-76 lead, capped off by a June Silorio triple with 2:42 left.

The Squires also caught fire from deep when it mattered the most. After missing their first seventeen triples, they went 4/7 from beyond the arc in the final period. In contrast, LSGH would go 2/8 in the second half after converting 6/17 in the first.

Silorio would finish with a career-high 27 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Freshly-minted NBTC All-Star Andy Gemao contributed 21 points, fourteen rebounds, five assists, and three steals, while George Diamante served up a gem with a twelve points and seventeen boards alongside four rejections and five dimes.

Pablo ended up with a near 20-20 performance, falling short by a rebound. Seven Gagate bucked foul trouble to net twelve points and thirteen rebounds, while adding three assists and a couple of steals. Aside from the Greenies' two NBTC All-Stars, Rod Alian rode on a hot start to finish with fourteen points and seven rebounds.

Speaking with the panel of Andrei Felix and Andrei Caracut, head coach Allen Ricardo notes that there is still unfinished business. When asked about what lies ahead for Game 2, he shares, "Just stay composed. Iyon ang pinaka-importante.  Yung championship series, na-experience nila ang Game 1, then after ng viewing, mare-realize nila what went wrong, what went right, what went good.  Going to Game 2, just stay composed, that's it."

Game 2 is scheduled on Thursday at the same venue, with LIVE broadcast on GTV as well as streaming on the league's social media platforms. A win for the Squires would secure their first title since 2001.

The scores:
Letran (85) -- Silorio 27, Gemao 21, Diamante 12, Manalili 9, Alforque 4, Anabo 4, Baliling 3, Hugo 2, Navarro 2, Cruz 1.

LSGH (81) -- Pablo 22, Alian 14, Gagate 12, Ison 10, Mesias 10, Rivero 6, Gomez 5, Romero 2, Zaragosa 0.

Quarterscores: 17-22, 41-44, 65-64, 85-81

Letran, La Salle-Greenhills set for finals showdown

Game today at the San Andres Sports Complex
2:30 p.m. – Letran vs La Salle-Greenhills

Letran and La Salle-Greenhills are set to kick off their best-of-three series to determine the best high school team in the NCAA Season 98 High School basketball tournament at the San Andres Sports Complex.

Both teams are seeking to end their title droughts. The Squires are hoping to end a 22-year winless stretch, while the Greenies, last won theirs in 2017.

Letran dispatched Mapua-Malayan to earn their spot, whilst La Salle-Greenhills had to survive playing three games against San Beda to secure the other spot.

Although the Squires won their only meeting in the eliminations, 79-73 back in February, things are clearly different with the stakes much higher.

NBTC All-Stars Andy Gemao and Jonathan Manalili will get to face off against fellow All-Stars Seven Gagate and Luis Pablo, with both sides having reliable supporting casts. June Silorio, George Diamante, Emman Anabo, and Joyel Baliling are on one side, and CJ Mesias, Rod Alian, James Ison, and Santi Romero on the other.

The series will be broadcast LIVE on GTV, with simultaneous streaming available through the league's social media platforms.

San Beda, La Salle-Greenhills set for decider

Game today at the San Andres Sports Complex
2:30 p.m. – La Salle-Greenhills vs San Beda

The remaining available finals berth for the NCAA Season 98 HS Basketball Tournament will be decided this afternoon at the San Andres Sports Complex, as La Salle-Greenhills and San Beda fight for the right to face Letran in the title game.

The Greenies forced the do-or-die duel after a 92-79 victory over the Red Cubs this past Monday.

Head coach Ren-Ren Ritualo credited the boys for their performance. He shares, "They never quit. I'm very proud of them. But I keep on telling them it's not yet over."

LSGH will once again ride on Seven Gagate and Luis Pablo in this one, with the former outscoring San Beda by himself in the third period, 15-10.

Hoping for a bounce back performance for the Red Cubs are the duo of Chris Hubilla and John Lopez, who combined for sixty points in the defeat, their first after surviving the gauntlet to determine the postseason seeding.

NCAA Season 98 set for Final Four in HS Basketball

Games today at the San Andres Sports Complex

12 noon – Letran vs Mapua
2:30 p.m. – San Beda vs LSGH

High school basketball gets more intense with the official start of the postseason for the NCAA this afternoon at the San Andres Sports Complex.

The Squires were forced to take a break after completing their eliminations campaign last February 20 with an 8-1 record, as the league needed to sort out the Final Four cast after a quadruple tie to end the regular season. They will face the Red Robins after they locked in their spot as the 4-seed with a 86-75 defeat to San Beda in the gauntlet.

In the process of determining the postseason field, it was the Red Cubs that emerged on top as the second seed, dispatching the Greenies in what turned out to be the unofficial start of their "virtual best-of-three matchup," 83-77. The team of Miko Roldan is filled with confidence after winning all three games in the gauntlet to earn the other twice-to-beat advantage.

The Letran-Mapua matchup is scheduled at noon, followed by the San Beda-LSGH duel at 230pm.

Doria, Ynot picked as NBTC All-Star injury replacements

NBTC

The NBTC announced a couple of replacements for their injured players that will force them to the sidelines of the NBTC All-Star Game on March 24.

Team Heart's team captain Joel Cagulangan has an ankle issue that will force the La Salle Greenhills standout to miss the game, while Clint Escamis of Team Hustle is still recovering from surgery that addressed his ACL injury on the right knee of the Mapua/Malayan guard.

Named as Cagulangan's replacement is Adam Doria. The incoming Adamson Soaring Falcon averaged 13 points and 4.2 rebounds for the Baby Falcons, and helped them reach the UAAP HS Final Four. He joins Carl Tamayo of Nazareth-NU, Inand Fornilos and Joshua David of La Salle-Greenhills, Harvey Pagsanjan for Hope Christian HS, Aaron Fermin of Arellano, Paolo Hernandez and Dan Arches for Mapua/Malayan, Joshua Yerro of the University of Visayas, Mac Guadana of Lyceum, Rafael Go of Chiang Kai Shek, and Joem Sabandal of Adamson, with Charles Tiu serving as Team Heart's head coach.

Named as Escamis' replacement is Tony Ynot. The San Beda guard averaged 7.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in his debut season for the Red Cubs. He joins captain Kai Sotto and his fellow Ateneans Geo Chiu and Forthsky Padrigao, Mark Nonoy and Bismarck Lina of UST, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, and Kevin Quiambao of Nazareth-NU, RJ Abarrientos of Far Eastern University, John Amores of JRU, and Jonnel Policarpio of Mapua/Malayan, with Chris Gavina serving as their head coach.

This game, alongside the semifinals and finals of the NBTC National Finals, will be shown on 5Plus, with all the other games being shown online via ESPN5.

The 2019 Chooks-to-Go National Finals presented by SM is sponsored by Darlington-Exped Socks, EPSON, Huawei, Freego, Purefoods, Gatorade, Go for Gold, and Molten, as well as ESPN5 and Lighthouse Events.