Kean Baclaan sat on the hardcourt of the SMART Araneta Coliseum, cradling his daughter Taliyah amid a shower of confetti, and let the moment sink in.
De La Salle University had just claimed the UAAP Season 88 crown with a gritty 80–72 win over the University of the Philippines in Game 3.
For Baclaan, it wasn’t just another championship — it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, one he almost saw slip away to a devastating injury.
The former National University guard feared his season was over after suffering an MCL injury against the University of the East in the first round.
Yet, through perseverance and the support of those around him, he defied the odds, returning just in time to power the Green Archers’ championship run.
“Sobrang dami naming pinagdaanan pero lahat na yun nawala simula nung nag-champion kami,” said the 5-foot-7 court general from Muntinlupa City.
“Thankful ako sa lahat ng mga nasa likod para makabalik ako: kay Coach Topex (Robinson), sa S&C namin, kay Migs (Aytona), kay Gelo (Vito), kay PT Teddy (Fabian), lahat — maraming salamat sa inyo. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo, wala kami dapat ni Mason (Amos).”
In the biggest game of his career, Baclaan provided a critical spark off the bench, finishing with a plus-19 rating in just over 16 minutes.
His main role was as a secondary creator, easing the defensive pressure on ‘King Archer’ Jacob Cortez, who had drawn the bulk of UP’s lockdown attention.
Baclaan’s veteran poise became evident in the closing minutes.
(C) UAAP Season 88
With the game slipping into La Salle’s control, he calmly sank four clutch free throws to seal the championship, unfazed by the raucous UP crowd.
Ultimately, it was sheer determination that carried him through.
After everything he endured this season, Baclaan refused to let the championship slip away.
“Talagang inisip na lang namin manalo eh,” he said.
“Wala kaming ibang iniisip basta makipagpatayan na lang kami (at) gawin namin lahat 100%. Yun lang talaga.”
As the La Salle supporters celebrated around him, the exhaustion of a grueling comeback slowly melted into relief.
For someone who almost saw his season end before it truly began, this title was validation for every painstaking hour spent in rehab.
With his daughter still in his arms and a championship now in hand, Baclaan was ready to rest and savor the moment.
Reflecting on the journey, he smiled:
“Siguro sobrang saya dahil alam niyo naman yung pinagdaanan namin eh so siguro pahinga na talaga at mag-celebrate. Tapos na!”
#WATCH: EVERYTHING’S WORTH IT 🏹
Kean Baclaan celebrates his first-ever UAAP title with his daughter 🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/MTN5MGoQIl
📹 Lorenzo del Carmen/Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/Q2SgHS4hJP
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) December 17, 2025
