For the first time in NCAA history, an Arellano University player was awarded the Juniors MVP title, as Sean Franco capped off a monster senior season as the league’s top individual performer in Season 101.
The newly-crowned MVP put together huge numbers for the Braves, averaging 16.46 points, 9.77 rebounds, and 2.69 assists in the group stage.
And as it currently stands, Franco isn’t going anywhere and plans to stay put in Legarda.
"Hindi ko pa po alam [kung saan ako sa college] pero kasama po sa choices ko ang Arellano. Doon ko naman po gusto talaga," Franco told GMA News Online.
"Wala pa pong offers din [galing] sa [ibang schools sa] UAAP at sa NCAA."
Franco’s connection and love for Arellano runs deep, as it was former Chiefs guard Kent Salado who recruited him to join the basketball program in 2023.
The 19-year-old forward was inspired by Salado to play for the Braves, with both sharing roots in Cagayan de Oro. Franco and his teammate Ray Ladica played together there in their earlier days and both eventually decided to fly to Manila and banner the squad.
Ladica is also Salado’s cousin, making the decision to join Arellano an easy one for both rising basketball stars.
"Kinuha lang ako sa province namin sa Cagayan de Oro nu’ng 2023 nila Coach Chico dahil kay Kent Salado, idol ko po siya. Si Ladica pinsan niya tapos doon nagsimula kasi magkakakilala kami ni Ladica sa probinsya namin," Franco added.
"Si Salado ‘yung nagsabi na sa Arellano na lang kami mag-aral."
Even though his senior year didn’t end with a championship after the Braves fell to Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the finals, Franco said he still cherishes what the team accomplished this season despite the odds.
Now, he’s aiming to carry that experience forward and redeem himself at the college level, wherever his journey takes him.
"Sobrang saya naman po namin kasi ang dami naming hirap na dinaanan last season at this season, nagbunga naman lahat," he said.
"Sana po makabawi sa college."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
