De La Salle University is not just preparing for UAAP Season 86 but also for the future.
Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson was able to secure the commitment of Don Bosco Dumaguete standout Matthew Jucom.
Robinson personally went to Dumaguete to visit Jucom’s family on Monday.
Seeing the former PBA pro visit his family to ask if their son can go to La Salle definitely left a mark, according to Jucom.
“Malaking bagay po si Coach Topex sa pagpunta ko po sa La Salle kasi isipin niyo po, ang layo po ng Manila to Dumaguete tapos pumunta pa siya rito para lang po ma-clear ang lahat sa parents ko po,” Jucom told Tiebreaker Times.
“Malaking bagay po yun para sa pamilya ko po. Talagang nagpapasalamat ako kay Coach Topex.”
Jucom, who stands at 6-foot-2, is still in Grade 12 and will join La Salle in UAAP Season 87.
The Dumagueteño dazzled during the 2023 SMART-NBTC National Finals, averaging 21.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game en route to being named to the Division II Mythical Five.
His best performance came against Team United-USA last March 16 which saw him drop 34 points.
“He impressed me the most with his outside shooting, especially during his 30-point game in the NBTC,” said Robinson.
“But what stood out, even more, was the trust that his parents placed in us, along with the guidance of Coach Kirk Waleson.”
Also joining the Green Archers by Season 87 are the likes of Matthew Rubico, Ethan Alian, and Santi Romero.
For his part, Jucom can’t wait to join the Green Archers.
“Talagang excited po ako na makapag-aral at makapag-laro po para sa La Salle,” said Jucom.
“Malaking opportunity po ito para sa akin at hindi ko po ito sasayangin.”