JB Bahio regrets that he was not able to give San Beda University a title in his last playing year as the Red Lions fell to De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in their Final Four showdown.
But the 6-foot-5 slotman will nonetheless walk away grateful to his coaches and community, especially now that he is looking to throw his name into the PBA Draft next year.
"Thank you, San Beda, for the opportunity to play the game that I love," Bahio said in a heartfelt Facebook post on Wednesday, a day after he played his last game in the collegiate ranks.
"Grateful ako na nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon para irepresenta ang pinakamamahal nating paaralan. Maraming salamat sa mga naging coaches ko, lalo na sa coach ko ngayon na si coach Yuri Escueta."
Bahio was nothing short of pivotal in the last two seasons for San Beda.
Back in Season 97, the Cebuano baller was among the pillars of the Red Lions after he averaged 6.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.17 blocks while he showed a lot of improvement in Season 98, where he collected 11.58 markers, 9.84 boards, 1.84 assists, and 0.68 blocks.
Both times, though, San Beda failed to enter the championship round after falling short in the semifinals.
"Medyo disappointed kasi gusto namin talagang makuha ito eh pero we gave our best naman and ayun lang, medyo late din pumasok si coach sa amin eh, mga ilang months na lang bago mag-season. Pero nakapasok pa rin kami sa semifinals," he added.
Bahio said he is now looking at opportunities elsewhere and topping his options is the PBA.
"Siguro magpapa-draft na ako next year or ano mang magandang opportunity ang dumating. God's plan 'yan. PBA, 'yun 'yung main goal talaga," Bahio shared.
—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News
