Evan Nelle faced a decision after UAAP Season 85: stay for one final year with De La Salle University or turn professional.
The 24-year-old court general opted for the former, suiting up for the Green Archers in the Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
In La Salle’s very first game, Nelle showcased his leadership, steering the Green Archers to an 87-76 victory over Far Eastern University with a line of 15 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds.
After the game at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, the 5-foot-10 all-around guard expressed that he had made the right decision to return to the Green Archers.
“Totally. It’s a care-free environment, we love each other, we had each other’s backs and I don’t think anybody from the outside can destroy this,” said Nelle, who was part of the NCAA Season 95 Mythical Team with San Beda.
“This is why I came back.”
La Salle displayed a balanced offensive performance against the Tamaraws, with five players reaching double figures in points, led by Nelle.
Kevin Quiambao contributed 14 points, Mike Phillips had 13, CJ Austria added 12, and Francis Escandor scored 11.
Under the guidance of new head coach Topex Robinson, the squad had been molded into the team they are today right from the very first day Robinson arrived in Taft Avenue.
“I think it started on Day 1 when coach came in January,” said Nelle.
“We got the feel for everybody, we got to know our roles, we trusted everybody and we bonded. We had a lot of bonding talaga, trips abroad, preseason games that molded our team to where we are now.”
However, despite their impressive wire-to-wire victory against FEU, Nelle and the Green Archers are aware that it was just one game in a long season.
“As I said, this is just Game 1 it’s a long season but we’re happy where we are but we’re not contented.”
