Star center Rico Maierhoffer leaves La Salle Green Archers

MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle University’s starting center Rico Maierhoffer on Sunday announced his decision to waive his fifth and final year of eligibility for the Green Archers in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). A vital element of the Archers’ rotation, Maierhoffer cited “personal issues" as his main reason for skipping his last playing year for La Salle. “I know everything happens for a reason and my leaving La Salle and not to play my final year is due to some personal issues. My sincere apology to the whole La Salle community, managers, coaches and supporters. I would like to thank them all for their understanding," Maierhoffer said in an email. The 6’6" center, who also plays for Harbour Centre in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL), entered La Salle in 2004 and helped the team win the title that same year at the expense of Far Eastern University. The UAAP, however, stripped the Archers of that crown after La Salle officials admitted to have unknowingly used an ineligible player. This very admission resulted to the Taft-based school’s suspension in 2006. The Green Archers returned with a bang the following year as Maierhoffer, along with Jayvee Casio, anchored their team to another title, this time against University of the East. La Salle, however, failed to defend it last year as they bowed to archrival Ateneo in two straight games in their best-of-three finals showdown. Playing for La Salle, wrote Maierhoffer, is a dream come true and he is forever grateful to the school management, coaches and fellow players since they all treated him well during his four-year stay. “The most precious moment of my life happened the day I entered the main campus of DLSU. I’m proud and honored to be called a La Salle Green Archer. It benefited me with lots of championship experience and gave me the opportunity to improve my basketball skills," Maierhoffer said. He is expected to resume his PBL career with the new team owned by Mikee Romero and come August is likely to join the Philippine Basketball Association’s Annual Draft. As for La Salle, the team remains a solid contender as the team has recruited talented new faces for next year’s UAAP wars. Among the prized rookies are 6’7" Norberto Torres, Gabrial Banal, Samuel Marata and 6’5" Arvie Bringas. Torres, Banal and Marata played for La Salle coach Pumaren in the Nokia RP Youth team that won the SEABA tournament last year. –GMANews.TV