La Salle got itself another big man for UAAP Season 84.
This as Aaron Buensalida has committed to join the Green Archers.
Buensalida, who stands at 6-foot-5 and is just 18 years young, only averaged 2.85 points and 2.69 boards in six minutes and 21 seconds of game time with National University during UAAP Season 82. And with the league shutting down Season 83, the native of Davao is just grateful to have had so many schools recruiting him.
“Sobrang grateful ako kasi hindi ko akalain na maraming school ang interesado sa akin,” Buensalida told Tiebreaker Times as NU and San Beda also tried to recruit him.
In the end, it was La Salle that his parents Joan and Andy decided on as the school that is best for him.
Well, it did help that his former Adamson teammate Encho Serrano and Bullpups senior Kevin Quiambao are also in La Salle.
“Family decision po talaga.
“Sa La Salle po ang tingin namin ng parents ko ang lugar kung saan ako makakapag-grow. La Salle din po ang dream school ko simula elementary ako,” shared Buensalida, who is currently part of the Gilas Youth program.
“Sobrang nakaka-excite din na makakasama ko yung mga dati kong teammates dun na sila Encho at Kevin,” he continued.
Buensalida though is not your typical big man.
During the extended off-season, he has developed a three-point shot to his arsenal that will perfectly complement Quiambao.
“I need a four that can run, rebound, and fit in our defensive system,” said La Salle head coach Derrick Pumaren.
“And Aaron fits the bill.”
During the off-season, La Salle also added Quiambao, Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy, Deo Cuajao, Jonnel Policarpio, Raven Cortez, Emman Galman, CJ Austria, Warren Calara, Paul Turco, Isaiah Blanco-Hontiveros, and the Philips bros.
Earlier, Reyland Torres had committed to NU. Buensalida’s batchmates Terrence Fortea, Harold Alarcon, Ernest Felicilda, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Echo Laure are still undecided on where they will head to college.
