Because of how frequent student-athletes transfers are in the collegiate level over the past few years, it is quite rare to see student-athletes who decide to stay put.
During University of Santo Tomas’ 63-69 loss to National University, Thomasians can only lament that their current ace Nic Cabanero did not have Kean Baclaan – who moved to the latter school despite representing the former in the preseason – beside him wearing the black and gold kit.
“I think first, second, and third (quarters), wala yung fighting spirit namin. Naglarolang kami during the fourth quarter. Dun namin na-realize na kailangan na namin mag-exert ng effort,” said the former San beda Red Cub who contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds in 34 minutes of action.
“Kailangan ibigay na namin (lahat). Mino-motivate kami ni Coach Bal [David] and all the coaches na wala na tong bukas. Nakadikit naman kami galing 18 points pero yun nga kulang kami sa time.”
Back when UST played in the 2022 PBA D-League and 2022 FilOil EcoOil Pre-season Cup, Baclaan stood out so well that it was easy to forget he was just coming out straight from high school.
NU coach Jeff Napa saw an opening and the rest, as they say, is history with the De La Salle Zobel product already a key member in the Bulldogs’ rotation.
Losing Baclaan is a big blow but the remaining Growling Tigers just moved on quickly.
“Alam ko naman talaga na si Kean magaling talaga yan eh. Ka-edad ko rin siya. Wala naman kaming hard feelings sa desisyon niya lumipat from UST to NU eh,” said Cabanero.
“Kami, after the day na balita kase yun, parang, ‘Ah! OK.’ Okay naman kami sa training. I-maximize na lang namin kung sino man yung natira na players.”
For his part, Cabanero himself had opportunities to transfer to other schools.
However, the 6-foot-2 cager decided to stay in Espana and he is determined to make the most out of his decision and be a key cog in bringing the glory days back to the school.
“Siyempre, ganda kase tignan sa mga tao pag nandun yung loyalty. Other schools kasi nag-try din i-recruit ako. Pero hindi ko iniisip kasi yung ganun eh,” said Cabanero.
“Gusto ko suklian yung ano pinagkaloob sa akin ng UST pati yung UST community. Lalo na yung family ko, sila naman nag-g-guide sa akin lagi tsaka di ako pinapabayaan ni Lord.”
