The reload continues for the Arellano Chiefs
After the transfer of Joseph Gabayni, the Arellano University Chiefs scored another coup as Adrian Alban, who played one year for the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, has also made his transfer to Legarda.
The move was confirmed by a source from the school and Alban himself.
According to the 6-foot floor general, his transfer was a result of him wanting to follow in the footsteps of Arellano great Jiovani Jalalon, and the desire to play side-by-side with Kent Salado.
“Idol ko talaga si Jio,” the 22-year-old told Tiebreaker Times. “Nung pag lipat ko dito sa Arellano, sobrang winelcome pa ko nila Salado.”
During his first season in the NCAA, the resident of Tondo, Manila posted norms of 7.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 17.9 minutes per outing. He was hailed as the NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week during the week of July 18-25, 2017. Moreover, Alban, who is being groomed by Paul Lee, tallied his career-high 27 points during Lyceum’s loss to JRU last August 26.
Though his stint with the Pirates only lasted for one season, Alban remains grateful for the opportunity given to him by Lyceum.
“Thankful ako sa Lyceum dahil pinayagan nila ako mag-transfer sa Arellano. Malaking pasasalamat ko kay coach Topex [Robinson] dahil binigyan niya ako ng pagkakataon nung Season 92,” Alban shared.
“Malaking pasasalamat ko din dahil pinayagan nila ako lumipat at hindi nila ako pinahirapan. Nakita ko na naging masaya sila para sa akin kaya sobrang thankful talaga ako sa kanila.”
Robinson, on the other hand, wishes Alban nothing but the best in his new journey.
“I’m happy for Ian and wish him all the best in his career,” the mentor said.
With his addition and that of Gabayni, he is hoping that they become the cogs that help get Arellano over the championship hump.
“Siguro yung tingin ko na mabibigay ko sa Chiefs is yung kung ano man yung naging experience ko nung Season 92, mas hihigitan ko pa yun,” he said. “Basta kung anong role na bibigay sa akin ng mga coaches tatanggapin ko mas lalo na sa depensa.
“Lahat ng kailangan na pagawa sa akin ni coach Jerry [Codinera] gagawin ko. Almost one year of preparation pa naman para mag-improve.”
Alban will have to sit out one year before being able to play in Season 94. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.
“Sa Season 94 sa pagpasok namin ni Gabayni, kung ano man yung maging kailangan ng team sana maibigay namin,” he concluded.
