Earl Abadam is now a three-time UAAP champion.
As the final buzzer sounded on Sunday, sealing De La Salle University’s 15–12 victory over the University of Santo Tomas, the 21-year-old Fil-Australian winger let out a triumphant shout.
“Man, it’s surreal. Three championships with La Salle — that’s something most kids could never even imagine. But all by God’s grace, we’re here,” he expressed.
“He’s given us the opportunity to play, and we just have to walk through it, we have to step through it.”
Abadam had played a key role in the Green Archers’ back-to-back aspirations in 5-on-5 basketball. However, he suffered a season-ending fractured left ankle that kept him out for the entire second round and post-season of UAAP Season 87.
Many assumed he would also miss the 3×3 tournament after sitting out the first three games. But with the Archers dropping to a 1–2 record, Abadam knew it was time to return.
His comeback turned the tide for La Salle. With Abadam back on the court, the Archers went 5–1 the rest of the way, as he led the team with averages of 6.83 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Like I said before, I just want to be a leader by example to my teammates, to show that nothing can really hold you back. If you truly want it, you’ll go get it. There’s a proverb in the Bible that says, ‘As a man thinks in his heart, so is he,’” he shared.
“So, if you genuinely believe in your heart that you want to achieve something, you’ll go and achieve it.”
While the pain of missing the 5-on-5 campaign still lingers, helping La Salle secure another title helped ease that burden.
“It’s massive. Going into the preseason and heading into UAAP Season 88, it’s a big confidence booster — something that can hold the team together,” said Abadam, whose focus is now on being part of La Salle’s redemption squad in the months to come.
“We just want to continue to build on this.”
As for another 3×3 run in Season 88?
“Yeah, whatever the coaches decide, I’m always ready,” he said.
