Allen Liwag has made his decision.
On Thursday, Liwag joined Strong Group’s practice at the College of Saint Benilde’s Gym, making his commitment to enroll in the school.
The 20-year-old big man felt honored that both CSB and San Beda University expressed interest in him. But what made him decide to become a Blazer instead of a Red Lion was that he saw himself fit in Charles Tiu’s system.
“Malaking karangalan at parehong magandang opportunity po ang binigay sa akin ng Benilde at San Beda. Pero kaya ko po pinili yung CSB is unang-una dahil sa tiwala na binigay sa akin ni Boss Frank (Lao),” Liwag told Tiebreaker Times. Lao is one of the boosters of the CSB basketball program.
“Nakita ko rin na magfi-fit ako sa sistema ni Coach Charles (Tiu). Malalabas ko yung game ko at madedevelop pa yung weaknesses ko sa court.”
Liwag spent two years with EAC, playing in 24 games. The 6-foot-6 native of Cavite averaged 9.87 points, 8.62 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.
Liwag plans on either having a business or tourism course in CSB.
The former General will have to sit out one year before being eligible for NCAA Season 100.
By then, Will Gozum will have played his final year.
Liwag knows that there is pressure to fill the shoes that Gozum will leave. But he is ready for it.
“Siyempre may pressure but at the end of the day, basketball pa rin yan. Lalaruin lang natin ang dapat natin gawin,” he said.
“Sobrang excited na ako at alam ko na marami akong matutunan on and off the court. Added experience to para sa akin.”