Rarely does a product from Far Eastern University-Diliman head to De La Salle University for college. But it happened Monday morning.
Penny Estacio committed to study in La Salle and join the Green Archers.
According to the 6-foot scorer, it was tough for him to leave FEU as he had already become close with his batchmates Jorick Bautista and Patrick Sleat over the past two years.
Both Sleat and Bautista have already committed to join the Tamaraws.
During their time with the Baby Tamaraws, they were able to lead the team to a finals appearance, only bowing to the NU Bullpups — a team that ended up unbeaten for the season.
“Siyempre, yung paglipat ko was not easy for me kasi gusto ko rin maglaro for FEU for college,” admitted Estacio, who averaged 15.06 points, 5.24 rebounds, 2.65 assists, and 2.06 steals during his one-and-done year for FEU-D.
However, the Tamaraws already boast a young and stacked backcourt with L-Jay Gonzales, RJ Abarrientos, and Royce Alforque leading the way.
It’s the same with the Green Archers as it already has Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy, and Ice Blanco-Hontiveros.
But for Estacio, it’s the guard-centric system of head coach Derrick Pumaren that led him to pick La Salle.
“Lahat ng schools loaded sa guards na — lalo na FEU. L-Jay, Royce, RJ. Sa La Salle, there’s Evan and Nonoy. Since guard-oriented din sila, knowing Coach Derick’s system, I feel like I can grow there,” he continued.
Estacio though is looking forward to facing his good pals at the collegiate level.
“Kayla Jorick and Patick, looking forward ako to face them since maganda pinakita namin ng high school,” he said.
“We had to go our separate ways para rin sa future namin.”
