FEU's Penny Estacio commits to La Salle, will have to fight for slot in deep backcourt

De La Salle University has bolstered its backcourt even more with the commitment of Penny Estacio---a highly-touted guard out of the Far Eastern University-Diliman.

Green Archers head coach Derrick Pumaren confirmed the development to GMA News Online and bared the 5-foot-11 court general has committed to La Salle on Monday morning and will be eligible when UAAP opens Season 84.

“Yes, he committed earlier today,” Pumaren said in a telephone interview.

Estacio was part of the Baby Tamaraws squad that reached the UAAP Finals in Season 82, where they were defeated by powerhouse side from National University-Nazareth School.

But Pumaren stressed that Estacio will still have to fight for his minutes, especially that La Salle’s backcourt is currently led by top recruits in Mark Nonoy and Deo Cuajao from UST and Evan Nelle from San Beda University.

“He knows what he’s getting himself into because prior to his commitment, we told him that he has to fight hard for his slot,” Pumaren shared.

“He will really have to compete with other guards but the good thing is he’s ready for it.”

Pumaren, the architect behind DLSU’s first UAAP title in 1989, added that Estacio will be a great addition to the team and will be an essential part in their bid to revive the school’s winning tradition.

La Salle last won the men’s basketball crown in Season 79 before Ateneo's historic three-peat title from Season 80 to 82.

“I am expecting that he’ll do the same thing he had been doing in the past but he has to step up since this is college basketball,” the mentor added.

“I think he’ll be a good fit to my system and he will be setting the tone. He’s also expected to run the floor for the team.” —JMB, GMA News