CJ Austria has decided to forgo his final playing year at De La Salle University to pursue a professional basketball career.
The 6-foot-1 guard bid farewell to the Green Archers on Thursday before signing a contract with the Abra Weavers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
It was a difficult decision for the 23-year-old Laguna native, but a necessary one, as he is expecting his first child later this year.
Austria leaves La Salle as a three-time UAAP champion, having won both the men’s 5-on-5 and 3×3 titles in Season 86. He was also named the Most Valuable Player of the 3×3 tournament that season.
Over four years with the Green Archers, Austria played in 52 games, averaging 5.32 points per contest.
(C) Tommy Luis King/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
His best 5-on-5 season came during his sophomore year, when he posted 8.5 points and 1.21 steals per game.
In what turned out to be his final season, Austria averaged 3.43 points, playing through a shoulder injury sustained during the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament.
With the Weavers, he will reunite with fellow Green Archer Joshua David and team up with former UE Red Warrior Jack Cruz-Domont.
He will also have the opportunity to learn from seasoned pros such as Encho Serrano, Alfred Batino, Mark Yee, Paul Desiderio, and Yousef Taha.
Abra also features Fil-Am prospect Kascius Small-Martin.
As for La Salle, the trio of Jcee Macalalag, Doy Dungo, and Vhoris Marasigan will be tasked with stepping up in the position left by Austria.
