Kean Baclaan is moving on from the collegiate ranks — for his daughter, Taliyah.
The 22-year-old guard bid farewell to De La Salle University on Wednesday as he officially set his sights on the professional ranks. It was a difficult decision, but one he knew he had to make.
“Since Pasko, pinag-iisipan ko talaga yung decision na ‘to dahil ang daming offers sa akin. Napagdesisyunan ko na kailangan ko na mag-pro para sa anak ko,” Baclaan told Tiebreaker Times.
“Ang hirap nung naging desisyon na ‘to pero kailangan ko ‘tong gawin.”
Baclaan leaves behind a colorful collegiate career, one that will be remembered with admiration.
A product of De La Salle–Zobel, the 5-foot-7 guard initially committed to the University of Santo Tomas before eventually enrolling at National University. In his rookie season, he posted averages of 8.36 points, 4.21 assists, 3.43 rebounds, and 1.64 steals per game.
He raised his level in his sophomore year, norming 10.73 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.53 rebounds, before deciding to transfer to La Salle in 2024.
There, he joined Jacob Cortez, Mason Amos, and Luis Pablo during residency — gaining not just teammates, but lifelong brothers.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan yung samahan naming apat. Nung time na ‘yun, kami-kami lang magkasama palagi,” Baclaan shared.
“Sabay-sabay kaming nag-grow, naglaro, at eventually naging champion. Habang-buhay ang samahan naming apat.”
His first — and only — season with the Green Archers was far from easy. Just six games into the campaign, Baclaan suffered an MCL tear that sidelined him for an extended period.
“Ang dami kong natutunan nung recovery period ko, pero nilaban ko talaga para makabalik,” said Baclaan.
“Pero dun ko rin na-realize na ang buhay pala ng isang player, puwedeng mawala ng ganun-ganun lang. Kaya sinisigurado ko na habang bata pa ako, masulit ko ang bawat moment para sa anak ko.”
Defying expectations, Baclaan — alongside Mason Amos — returned just in time for the Final Four. From there, he made the most of the opportunity, helping La Salle reclaim the championship.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Isa yun sa moments na dadalhin ko sa buong buhay ko,” said Baclaan.
“Malaki ang utang na loob ko kay Tito Johnny [Valdes], PT Teddy [Fabian], PT Marco [Villanueva] at kayla Coach Migs [Aytona], Coach Gelo [Vito] and Doc Castro. Sila yung nagbigay ng buhay sa akin nung time na sobrang down ako nung na-injury ako. Wala na akong hope nung time na yun pero sila lumalaban pa rin, and sabi nila sa akin na makakabalik ako at magiging big help ako sa playoffs.”
Now that he moves on to the next chapter of his journey, Baclaan only has gratitude to those who helped him become who he is today.
“Thank you kayla Bro. Bernie [Oca], sa mga managers namin na sina Sir Raffy [Villavicencio], Sir Terry [Capistrano], Justice [Andres] Reyes, and Atty. Mans [Carpio], sa lahat ng coaches ko, lalo na kay Coach Topex (Robinson), at sa buong La Salle dahil sa tiwala at suporta na binigay nila sa akin,” he added.
“Ayaw ko man sila iwan, pero kailangan ko talagang gawin ito.”
