Kean Baclaan bids farewell to La Salle to turn professional

Kean Baclaan is forgoing his final year in the UAAP as he bid goodbye to De La Salle University to turn professional. 

The veteran guard announced his departure in a heartfelt post on Wednesday, ending his stint with the Green Archers after a brief stint, where he helped La Salle capture the Season 88 title. 

"First of all, I want to thank everyone who supported me throughout my journey. This has been my dream school since I was a kid, and just being here already feels like a victory," Baclaan said. 

"I will truly miss our bond as a team the college life, the bonding moments, the challenges every practice, and even the arguments we had during practice."

Baclaan's sole year with La Salle was marred by health issues after he sustained a knee injury against University of the East and was supposed to miss the remainder of the season. 

But the shifty guard was able to make a late season comeback, providing a much-needed veteran presence in their Final Four clash against the twice-to-beat Bulldogs. He then helped the school dethrone University of the Philippines in the finals, closing out the series in three grueling games. 

"Despite all the rejections, whenever I was given an opportunity to go to La Salle, I always grabbed it. La Salle has always been my dream to study and play here," he added.

"Just being able to wear the green and white already makes me a champion."

Baclaan is set to turn professional but has yet to reveal where he will take his act next.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News