When Kean Baclaan signed with Caloocan for the 2026 MPBL season, all he wanted was a reliable running mate.
As the 5-foot-7 guard from Muntinlupa considered his options, one name immediately caught his attention: Dom Escobar.
“He vouched for me a lot,” Escobar shared with Tiebreaker Times.
Ironically, Baclaan and Escobar had once faced off on opposing sides in the country’s biggest collegiate rivalry — Baclaan with La Salle, Escobar with Ateneo.
Now, they will be teammates with the Batang Kankaloo.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Very excited. We were rivals in college, and I’ve always respected his game. I’ve always thought he was a very good player. It was always tough going against him because I knew what he was capable of,” said Escobar.
“Super excited talaga ako! Nang malaman ko na gusto rin niya sa Caloocan, nag-message na ako sa kanya dahil alam ko rin kung ano ang kakayahan ni Dom — lalo na’t galing siya sa magandang system ni Coach Tab (Baldwin) at sa Ateneo,” added Baclaan.
“Kaya ayun, sobrang excited na ako! Hindi na ako makapaghintay na makalaro siya sa court.”
Escobar will miss Caloocan’s first game in the 2026 MPBL Preseason Tournament, as he is only set to arrive on the 11th.
Baclaan, however, made sure to fill him in on the team.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“He told me about the players we have and said that I was a missing link for our team. When you hear words like that, it’s very encouraging, and it just makes you want to play for a team like that,” said Escobar.
“He really made me feel wanted, I would say.”
With Escobar on board, Baclaan sees Caloocan aiming higher, believing the team now has a perfect blend of young guns and veterans.
Caloocan has yet to win an MPBL title.
“Super good addition siya sa team, lalo na’t may mga kuya kami na veterans like Chris Bitoon, Ronnie Matis, Eric Camson, Rob Celis, Jielo Razon, at Kuya Jeramer Cabanag. I’m very excited to compete against powerful teams!” said Baclaan.
For his part, Escobar is eager to run alongside Baclaan.
“Just knowing that I have a player of his caliber on my team — someone dangerous, versatile, and capable of playing different positions and doing different things on the court — makes me feel confident going out there, knowing I have him by my side,” said Escobar.
