Paeng Are is leaving the Stags after the do-it-all guard decided to forgo his final year with San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the NCAA.
San Sebastian head coach Arvin Bonleon confirmed the development to GMA News Online, saying Are has informed him of his decision last January 15 as the latter eyes setting foot on the professional ranks.
Bonleon shared that Are was actually supposed to leave the school last year to go pro. However, the 5-foot-8 backcourt sniper stayed instead and led the team in its Season 100 campaign, where the Stags racked up six wins against 12 losses to finish at ninth spot.
It turned out for the better as well with Are rising as one of the premier guards in the league, posting 17.88 points, 4.24 rebounds, 4.35 assists, and 2.53 steals.
Aside from Are, graduating Raymart Escobido and Reggz Gabat also left the team. The likes of Season 100 Mythical Five and Defensive Team member Teejay Felebrico, Nikko Aguilar, Polo Gabat, and James Maliwat, meanwhile, are the holdovers.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
